Chairman. I rise in support of the gentlewoman from Floridas amendment. This amendment correct a grievous wrong against elderly and disabled legal Immigrants which was enacted by Congress as pad of last years welfare reform law. One of the reasons that I opposed that measure was the elimination of SSI and food stamp benefits to many of this Nations legal residents. Without this amendment over 800.000 legal immigrants will lose their eligibility for SSI and food stamps. and in some cases their Medicaid benefits. In August while this body Is In recess. it must be remembered that many of these Immigrants were Invited to this country as refugees or arrived through the family reunification provisions of our Immigration law. Many worked. paid taxes and contributed to this society. as long as they were physically able to do so. Our action. last Congress. was nothing more than a punishment for them not becoming U.S. citizens. a requirement that has never been Imposed on legal residents previously. and certainly a requirement that should not be imposed retroactively.
Keywords matched
Immigration refugees immigrants Immigrants family reunification