Comments on: Virginia’s Warner Signs Law Banning Benefits to Illegals

By: Digger

Digger — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 08:49:20 +0000

Scott, the big difference is that they must now provide legal proof just as they do for a drivers license. Currently they can use other forms of ID to qualify for the services. With a more stringent ID requirement it will severely cut back on those currently using these other forms of ID.

By: Diggers Realm

Diggers Realm — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 08:45:22 +0000

Virginia Governor Mark Warner Signs Legislation Denying Benefits To Illegal Aliens
Virginia Governor Mark Warner, a Democrat, just signed legislation denying services to illegal aliens. The measure is similar to Proposition 200 which was passed by voters November, 2004 in Arizona. I have no idea what argument you could possibly make...

By: Anderson

Anderson — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 22:32:54 +0000

Oh, it was simply too obvious to notice ...

By: Kent

Kent — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 18:36:38 +0000

Immunizations and pregnancy tests are emergency aid?!!

Of course, one can make a public-health argument for providing immunizations even to illegal aliens. It provides an external benefit to lawful residents. But I'm not sure I find this argument compelling.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 16:46:41 +0000

It applies only to aliens 19 and older. Illegals of any age still will be eligible for emergency aid, such as immunizations and pregnancy tests.

By: Anderson

Anderson — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 16:20:21 +0000

I'm unfamiliar with what happens when an illegal immigrant brings his kid to a Virginia emergency room with a fever of 104 degrees. Would this law have any effect on that situation?

By: McGehee

McGehee — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 15:35:44 +0000

Scott, the difference is, a state law on this matter is likely to be enforced.

By: Scott Dillard

Scott Dillard — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 15:13:28 +0000

I don't really see what changes will happen in Viriginia under this new law. I work for a big city welfare department, and I can tell you that no illegal is currently eligible for any TANF funds, whether in cash aid or services. They aren't eligible for food stamps or Medicaid, either. We check everyone. We require verfication of legal status for everyone we aid. That's already federal law.

By: Alex Knapp

Alex Knapp — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 13:14:51 +0000

Don't blame the courts, blame the framers of the 14th Amendment for using the word "persons" rather than "citizens."

By: John Martin

John Martin — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 12:48:43 +0000

You have to start somewhere. This is a good law.