The fact that they have no right to vote should not mean that we single them out for this kind of treatment. It was especially irresponsible to deny eligibility knowing that two thirds of those affected would be children. Denying basic nutrition to children is not what this country is about. nor should it be. But that is essentially what Congress did in 1996. An estimated 900.000 legal immigrants lost their eligibility with passage of welfare reform. Another 600.000 childrenchildren who are American citizens but whose parents are legal immigrantshave seen their familys food stamps reduced. Denying nutrition to parents will affect these children. Nutrition is a basic need which. if denied or reduced. has enormous negative effects on a family.
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