Nearly 1 million children would lose under the SSI policy changes of H.R. 4 alone. Mr. Speaker. one provision on this measure claims big cuts and savings by denying benefits to legal immigrants. noncitizens who pay taxes and contribute to our economy. Such is the case with the Hmong. the natives of Laos who have a concentrated population in Minnesota and in other parts of the Nation. Because they have failed their citizenship test largely based on language difficulties. they would be denied essential and basic public assistance benefits. Mr. Speaker. this could affect tens of thousands of individuals nationwide and many in my community. Other immigrant groups will also be negatively affected by this provision such as the influx of Soviet jews who are so prominent In our area. I know of no justification or explanation for this policy. Certainly. a more rigorous pursuit of deeming. that is sponsor support. for immigrants is appropriate. but often this is not applicable or practical. Mr. Speaker. this will translate into unacceptable responsibilities and burdens on families. communities. and States.
Keywords matched
immigrant noncitizens immigrants