The purpose section of the Unfunded Mandate Act stated that the: Purposes of this act are to strengthen the partnership between the Federal Government and State. local. and tribal governments to end the imposition in the absence of full consideration by Congress of Federal mandates on State. local. and tribal governments without adequate Federal funding. Mr. President. this conference report breaks every premise and breaks every basis of the unfunded mandate law because this conference report on immigration requires all Federal. State. and local meanstested programs. as well as programs such as State drivers licenses. State licensing departments. for State occupational licenses as well as any grant or funding to first determine whether the individual applying is an eligible immigrant. The National Conference of State Legislatures just yesterday. September 26. 1996. indicated that the mandates of this conference report will: impose new unfunded mandates on State and local governments regarding deeming requirements for determining immigrant eligibility for all Federal meanstested programs. These provisions create new unfunded Federal mandates. defying the intent of the S. 1. the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. This bill requires States to deem many immigrants currently residing in the United States who do not have enforceable affidavits of support. These requirements will place an excessive administrative burden on States by shifting massive costs to State budgets. As we have consistently stated on numerous issues. if the Federal Government expects States to administer Federal programs related to Federal responsibilities. full Federal funding must be provided.
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immigrant immigrants immigration