Pa. Senate OKs Bill Denying Assistance to Undocumented Immigrants

The Pennsylvania State Senate this week passed a bill that would require residents to provide proof of legal U.S. residence before they could be eligible for any type of public assistance.

“In these tough economic times, when revenues are scarce, it’s important to ensure that our state’s resources are dedicated to those who pay taxes and are here in this state legally,” said state Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32nd), the bill’s sponsor. “Pennsylvania citizens, including legal immigrants, who are struggling to make ends meet, should not have their hard-earned dollars go toward benefits for illegal immigrants.”

Federal law already prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving such benefits, but Pennsylvania has not been enforcing the federal provision, Stefano said.

In fact, Pennsylvania recently agreed to pay the federal government $48.8 million to settle claims that it paid non-emergency Medicaid, family assistance and food-stamp benefits to immigrants who did not qualify for them, Stefano’s office said.

Senate Bill 9 would require anyone receiving Medicaid, welfare or unemployment compensation to prove that they are legal U.S. residents. The bill makes exceptions for seniors receiving Medicare assistance or people under the age of 18.

The bill passed the state Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 40 to 8.

Senate Bill 9 now goes to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.

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