Source: Fox News
Summary
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., is urging key agencies in the Trump administration to recoup what he believes could amount to billions in Medicaid, SNAP, and education expenses paid out to immigrants on the American taxpayer’s dime. Banks argues that by law, sponsors of legal immigrants are required to reimburse the government for any welfare benefits used by their sponsee. He believes that under the Trump administration, this can finally change.
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As expected, the matter has reached another stage. Banks is asking agencies to hold immigrant sponsors accountable and refund American taxpayers. He cites a study by the Center for Immigration Studies that claims illegal aliens alone cost American taxpayers an estimated $68 billion a year in public education costs, $42 billion in welfare, and $7 billion in medical treatment. Banks believes the government may also be owed repayment for a large portion of lawful use. He wrote in his letter, “It is the policy of the United States that aliens should not depend on public resources.” Despite this, Banks wrote that “most alien households receive means-tested benefits.” He also asked the Trump administration to provide answers by March 1 on the total amount in means-tested benefits paid out to immigrants under these contracts and the amount the government has sought to have reimbursed.
Banks’ request is met with a response from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which said it is exploring all options to hold alien sponsors accountable and protect the American taxpayer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also responded, stating that non-citizens who have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are not eligible to receive SNAP benefits unless they also have another immigration status that qualifies.
This is about enforcing the law that’s already on the books. Sponsors agreed to repay taxpayers if immigrants went on welfare, and the government needs to hold them to that promise.
