By Myles Snyder - email


HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
The state Senate has approved legislation to ensure illegal aliens living in Pennsylvania are not receiving public benefits.

Senate Bill 9, sponsored by President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, would require those requesting public benefits - including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition - to provide ID proving they are legal residents.

They additionally would be required to sign an affidavit stating they are a U.S. citizen or an alien legally in the United States. Any applicant signing the affidavit would have their immigration status verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Any illegal alien who falsely claims they are residing in the country legally in order to obtain public benefits will have committed a second degree misdemeanor and be subject to arrest and deportation," Scarnati said in a news release.

The measure now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
http://www.abc27.com/story/14713601/sen ... gal-aliens