09/18/2007
State Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati has introduced legislation to prohibit undocumented workers living in Pennsylvania from receiving public benefits such Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition. The measure, which has 24 co-sponsors, would require anyone receiving public benefits in the Commonwealth to provide identification proving they are legal residents. In addition, individuals would be required to sign an affidavit stating they are a United States citizen or an alien lawfully residing in this county. The state estimates 100,000 undocumented workers in Pennsylvania. The measure has yet to be acted upon by the Senate.
"This is a straightforward matter of Pennsylvania citizens not having to sacrifice their hard earned dollars to subsidize immigrants who are in this country illegally," Scarnati said in a press statement. "We need to ensure that there are tough laws aimed at eliminating benefits to individuals who are living here outside of the law."
