Border and Enforcement News

Idaho state senators voted 29-6 for a bill designed to prevent illegal immigrants in Idaho from receiving most local, state and federal public assistance. The Associated Press reported that supporters overcame objection from a handful of Democrats and Republicans who said it would be ineffective and could be a tool for discrimination. The bill, which would require a person to prove lawful presence in the United States before receiving assistance such as Medicare, now goes to the House.  

Those who oppose the bill feel it’s not going to address the solution and the benefits being denied weren’t clearly defined in the bill. “If you apply for a library card, that’s a public benefit. Going to a city park? That’s a public benefit,” Senator Chuck Coiner argued. “Where’s the definition of public benefit that prevents this thing from getting carried away?” Senator Kate Kelly, who voted for the bill, said the bill may have to be amended to address these issues.  

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