While it’s a good thing Republicans en-mass resisted the so-called stimulus bill, it still begs the question: where were they as they allowed the Third World to move here in the first place? Don’t let your guard down with these people. — Ed.
The $800 billion-plus economic stimulus measure making its waythrough Congress could steer government checks to illegal immigrants, atop Republican congressional official asserted Thursday.The legislation, which would send tax credits of $500 perworker and $1,000 per couple, expressly disqualifies nonresidentaliens, but it would allow people who don’t have Social Securitynumbers to be eligible for the checks.
Undocumented immigrants who are not eligible for a SocialSecurity number can file tax returns with an alternative number. AHouse-passed version of the economic recovery bill and one making itsway through the Senate would allow anyone with such a number, called anindividual taxpayer identification number, to qualify for the taxcredits. A revolt among GOP conservatives to similar provisions of a 2008economic stimulus bill, which sent rebate checks to most wage earners,forced Democratic congressional leaders to add stricter eligibilityrequirements. That legislation, enacted in February 2008, required thatpeople have valid Social Security numbers in order to get checks.
The GOP official voiced concerns about the latest economic aidmeasure on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized todiscuss it publicly.
Republicans have already blasted the package for including what theyargue is wasteful spending and omitting tax cuts for wealthier peopleand businesses they say are needed to jump-start the anemic economy.
Not a single Republican voted for an $819 billion version of the plan when it passed the House on Wednesday.
GOP senators arranged a midday news conference to voice their concerns.