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For Immediate Release
April 1, 2009
Contact:
Casey Long
(717)
787-7084
Back
Senate Approves Scarnati Legislation To Deny Public
Benefits to Illegal Aliens
HARRISBURG — Illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania
would be unable to obtain public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare
and in-state college tuition, under legislation sponsored by Senate
President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati that was approved today by the Senate
with a bi-partisan vote of 41 to 9.
Senate Bill 9 would also ensure that the Commonwealth's
more than 100,000 illegal aliens face tighter scrutiny when applying for
services.
"Pennsylvania must take the lead in this growing problem
by ensuring government benefits and services are not provided to illegal
aliens," Scarnati said. "We need to provide protections for hardworking
Pennsylvania taxpayers who ultimately bear the burden of supporting
those who are entering our country illegally."
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, Scarnati believes Pennsylvania law is simply
too lenient in enforcing those provisions.
Scarnati's bill would require anyone requesting public
benefits in the Commonwealth to provide identification 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 an 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.
"Only the Federal Government has the authority to
increase border security and deport those who are residing in the
country illegally," noted Scarnati. "However, states are free to pass
laws which would deter illegal aliens from settling within their borders
and encourage those who are already here to leave. Senate Bill 9
accomplishes just that."
Senate Bill 9 now goes to the House of Representatives
for consideration.
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