Speech #1050019169

At that time. researchers at the Urban Institute estimated 2. million people would fall below tho poverty line because of the legislation. 1.1 million of them children. The same researchers projected that 3.5 million children would be dropped from the rolls in 211 because of the time limits contained In the legislation. During the debate last year. there was little attention given to the provisions concerning the eligibility of legal immigrants for benefits. These imnagrants have come to America legally. They pay taxes and serve in our military. Yet the new law eliminates the eligibility of these immigrantsshould misfortune strike themfor SS and food stamps. and it severely limits their eligibility for TANF and Medicaid. Many legal immigrants affected by these restrictions are elderly. In MY own State of New York. they might be frail disabled survivors of the Roloecaust. or refugees from the former Soviet Union who are about to lose their only moans of support. This situation has come to our attention now because it Is among the first parts of the bill to be implemented. The President has proposed restoring eligibility for $$I to these legal immigrants who become disabled after entering this country. He has also proposed permitting refugees and asylees additional time before becoming subject to the various restrictions. in light of the difficult circumstances under which they arrive on our shores. I support these proposals. although I regret that enactment of the welfare repeal law has made this new legislation necessary.. I am pleased to join with colleagues of both parties In introducing legislation to continue SSI and food stamp benefits to these legal Immigrants already receiving them and to permanently exempt refugees and myles from the eligibility restrictions. This is a good first step In addressing the immediate and pressing needs of these Immigrants. and I urge our fellow Senators to join us In this effort. It represents the beginning of a bipartisan discussion on how to address this issue. and I commend the legislation to the Senate.