Thread: Welfare director says immigrants aren't a burden on economy

http://www.chicoer.com/immigration/ci_4004081

Article Launched: 07/02/2006 12:00:00 AM PDT

Welfare director says immigrants aren't a burden on economy
By MIKE ROSINSKI - For the Enterprise-Record


Butte County, like many other areas in the United States, is home to a large immigrant population. And as the national debate over how to approach American immigration policy swells, Butte County remains a microcosmic theater where residents witness firsthand the tenuous conflict that is so often diluted by opinion, emotions and politics on both sides of the debate.

Advocates for and against immigration are concerned about issues regarding agriculture, social services and health care.

One of the main components of opposition for immigration is a fear that immigrants are a drain and a burden on the economy. But, Cathi Grams, welfare director and public guardian of Butte County, disagrees.

Financial assistance is limited in scope, Grams said. While undocumented individuals may receive health care coverage for emergency medical treatments ranging from breast cancer or pregnancies to a broken arm, they are not eligible for the temporary cash assistance programs.

Enloe Medical Center, a private nonprofit health care provider, offers health care services and payment plans for uninsured individuals, but they do not keep records on legal residency status for the individuals who use these services.

Christina Chavira, a public relations representative for the hospital, made it clear that Enloe is private, and when the hospital treats uninsured individuals who cannot pay, the cost is incurred by the hospital.

Ed McLaughlin, who sits on the board of directors of the Butte County Farm Bureau, has worked in the agricultural sector of Butte County for years, and his personal experiences have molded his thoughts on immigration.

"The immigrant workers pay their taxes and if they're not documented, they can't collect on the system they are paying into," McLaughlin said. "Immigrants are a benefit to our community."

Also, McLaughlin said the immigration debate too frequently focuses on illegal migrant field workers. The reality of the situation tells a much different story.

"You can't always pin everything to agriculture," he said. "Immigrants come to this country and work as plumbers, roofers, as electricians and in construction. Not just agriculture."

But misconceptions are sometimes given more attention than real experiences, McLaughlin said.

Butte County immigrants have displayed strong family ties in this community, he said. This type of close-knit family structure benefits everyone and represents what Butte County immigrants stand for.

"I think we could learn a thing or two from them," he said.

He needs to do a little research ,illegals cost the welfare system billions .

No we are not in the twilight zone...this article is just just a big bucket of hogslop.

There is also no attempt to differentiate between immigrants who qualify for legal immigration and illegal aliens. Immigration policy is set to maximize the number who are net gains and minimize the number of people who would be creating a financial drain to a nations taxpayers.

Any attempt by amnesty and open border advocates to equivocate America's legal immigrants with illegal aliens insults our right to set policy for ourselves and our intelligence.

Notice there is no mention of anchor babies. Many welfare benefits are obtained directly by illegals because of anchor babies.

and when the hospital treats uninsured individuals who cannot pay, the cost is incurred by the hospital.

That is an outright lie. Playing word games. The cost is incurred through tax programs and by paying individuals/insurance.

"You can't always pin everything to agriculture," he said. "Immigrants come to this country and work as plumbers, roofers, as electricians and in construction.

That is very true. Illegals are taking what used to be decent paying jobs from Americans by severely undercutting.

"The immigrant workers pay their taxes and if they're not documented, they can't collect on the system they are paying into," McLaughlin said. "Immigrants are a benefit to our community."


How does an illegal pay "their taxes" if they are off the books. cash in hand?
Another patent lie by McLaughlin---there is no benefit, because NOTHING IS EVER PAID IN!