Amnesty: Do You Support It Or Deprecate It?

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Hey Irishgrl:

This was an interesting read. It's a busy week, but I will respond. In the meantime, I have a clarifying question:

I thought your argument was that illegal immigrants become eligible for benefits if they have a baby in the United States. Did I understand that incorrectly? Because this article (and what I previously thought) is that the child becomes eligible, but not the parents.

I just want to know the specifics before I respond. Thanks.

Im going to get you factual info, so I'll be back.

in cases where parents are ineligible for one reason or another, the family still receives cash assistance for the children, (that is the "anchor baby" phenomenon) and in any case, the parents are eligible to medi-CAL benefits. The reality is, many of these (primarily Hispanic) families have several kids, and that increases the cash grant amount. Oftentimes, it is enough to pay the rent even without the parents being cash aided. I think you did misunderstand me to the extent that I didnt mean the illegals received cash aid. They do, however, receive other benefits in the form of WIC and student lunches which are also costly...

ok, I have to go to Court right now, but you may find this article helpful:
Patchwork Policies: State Assistance for Immigrants under Welfare Reform

(note: I havent scanned it, but it looked pertinent.)