For Immediate Release
2/12/08

Contact:

Casey Long
(717) 787-7084

Senate Panel Endorses Scarnati's Illegal Alien Bill

HARRISBURG —The Senate State Government Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) that would prohibit illegal aliens who are living in Pennsylvania from receiving public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition.

Senate Bill 9 would also ensure that the Commonwealth's more than 100,000 illegal aliens face tighter scrutiny when applying for services.

"Pennsylvania residents should not be asked to sacrifice their hard-earned dollars to support those who have entered this country illegally.  They are taking money and services away from legitimate taxpayers," Scarnati said.  "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."

Under current federal law, illegal aliens are prohibited from receiving federal, state or local public benefits with the exception of emergency medical care, necessary immunizations and disaster relief.  However, Pennsylvania law is simply too lenient in enforcing those provisions.

Scarnati's bill would require anyone requesting public benefits in the Commonwealth to provide documentation proving they are legal residents.  Additionally, they would be required to sign an affidavit stating they are a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully present in the United States.

Any applicant signing the affidavit stating they are a legal alien would have their status verified through the Federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement Program (SAVE), operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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

Senate Bill 9 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

 

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