RIGGS offered in subcommitteein this effort I was seeking to permit the authorizers to do their work. To my dismay. my amendment lost by a close vote. 23 to Mr. Chairman. we have an immigration bill awaiting conference that addresses these very concerns. Both the House and Senate bills would eliminate the eligibility of unlawful immigrants to all Federal programs funded in whole or in part by Federal. State. or local government funds. with certain exceptions. I am extremely wary of the application of the language in section 514. It is not known how it would affect the expenditure of funds by State and local entities nor how it would affect the ability of nonprofits and churches to use their own funds to assist ineligible immigrants in affected programs. I am also wary of the likely increase in discrimination against Hispanics and Asians. The unfortunate result may be that some eligibility workers act out their prejudices by denying services to those they think are here unlawfully. because of appearance. accent or other characteristics. By applying willynilly the restriction of Federal funds to children. to the elderly and to the poor. the results are much more complex than saving a few dollars. Let me tell you why: No. 1. in most cases it is already illegal to provide Federal benefits to undocumented individuals. No. 2. in the case where the courts mandate the provision of Federal benefits. will we restrict benefits that may be associated with that program? Take the case of education. will this bill restrict the provision of Head Start or assistance in raising math and science education levels or vocational education?
Identified stereotypes
Eligibility workers may act out their prejudices by denying services to those they think are here unlawfully because of appearance, accent or other characteristics.