Thread: PA: Senate Passes Illegal Immigration Bill

Senate Passes Illegal Immigration Bill
By Bradley Vasoli, The Bulletin
02/13/2008

Harrisburg - A measure to require anyone applying for welfare benefits in Pennsylvania to provide proof of legal residency passed the Republican-controlled Senate State Government Committee yesterday.

Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), passed 7-4 along party lines with Mr. Scarnati voting as an ex officio member. Provisions in his legislation would apply to anyone seeking Medicaid, cash benefits, in-state college tuition or housing assistance.

In addition to submitting photo identification, those requesting benefits must sign an affidavit assuring that they reside in the United States legally. Signers' backgrounds would be checked via the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement Program.

The senate GOP leadership has said the number of illegal immigrants living in Pennsylvania is now roughly 100,000.

"Without question, we have too many illegal aliens in this country and in this state," Mr. Scarnati said. "This bill acts to discourage illegal behavior, and prevents actions that could place our citizens in financial jeopardy."

Passage in the Democrat-led state House of Representatives looks a bit less probable. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Cumberland) has sponsored legislation codifying the requirements in the Senate bill, but Democrats have opposed moving the bill out of committee. Gov. Ed Rendell (D) has indicated he does not support efforts to pass such measures.

Mr. Scarnati disputed suggestions made by some that the federal government has the proper jurisdiction to enforce stipulations, already made in federal law, that disallow illegals to receive benefits. The national government, he said, has been too lax. Pennsylvania too has not been stringent enough up to now, he said.

"Pennsylvania residents should not be asked to sacrifice their hard-earned dollars to support those who have entered this country illegally," he asserted. "They are taking money and services away from legitimate taxpayers. If illegal immigrants can obtain benefits here they will be more likely to come to Pennsylvania. Aliens who are living outside the law should be forced to return to their home and go through the legal immigration process."
http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm ... 8959&rfi=6

Hallelujia!!!!

This is good to see. Now that three federal judges have struck down motions to kill similar bills in other cities, I think more and more cities are going to have more nerve to get stuff like this passed without much fear of being sued from the OBL freaks.

Yep, now we have to work on every other state.

Originally Posted by Dianne

Yep, now we have to work on every other state.

Guys - this bill looks doomed, though its a reasonable bill.

It says it has to go through tough challenges in the democratic house and through the democratic governor.

If we want it to pass we need another Action Alert on this when appropriate.

Familes with anchor babies would still be able to take advantage of these programs, I think?