Welfare Costs For Children Of Illegal Immigrants Rise In Los Angeles

September 17, 2010
by Personal Liberty News Desk

Several conservative politicians have recently voiced their opposition against amnesty for illegal immigrants, citing the draining effect it could have on the already-reeling economy.

The most populous county in the United States is feeling those financial pains, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Welfare payments to children of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles County increased to $52 million in July, a total that represents 23 percent of the county’s entire welfare and food stamp assistance, the news provider reported. Projections show that the aid toward children of illegal immigrants will exceed $600 million this year, approximately $30 million more than the county spent last year.

County Supervisor Michael Antonovich would like to see a decrease in assistance for the offspring of illegal immigrants.

"The supervisor is very concerned," said Tony Bell, a spokesman for Antonovich, quoted by the Times. "He believes we have an economic catastrophe on our hands."

Under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, children born on American soil — even if their parents are illegal immigrants — are automatically granted citizenship. However, according to a recent poll that asked Americans about birthright citizenship, nearly half of those surveyed said they oppose it.

The Quinnipiac University poll reveals that 48 percent are against the policy, and 45 percent are in favor, quoted by The Associated Press.

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