Assemblyman Michael Doherty

DOHERTY TO CORZINE: STOP FUNDING FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BENEFITS, NOT FOR RURAL STATE POLICEMarch 30, 2006
Assemblyman Michael Doherty/908-835-0552

DOHERTY TO CORZINE: STOP FUNDING FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BENEFITS, NOT FOR RURAL STATE POLICE

(Warren County) � Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty (R-23) renewed his call for the New Jersey General Assembly to pass A-1410, a bill that would require proof of lawful presence in the United States in order to be eligible for certain State and local benefits.

According to the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute (migrationpolicy.org), New Jersey has as many as 300,000 illegal immigrants and spends approximately $300 to $400 million per year on public services for them. The bill would require proof of lawful presence in order to receive the following: grants, contracts, loans, licenses, retirement, welfare, health, disability, public or assisted housing, post secondary education, food assistance, or unemployment benefits.

"If Governor Corzine was serious when he asked for help in finding ways to cut state spending, he can start by cutting off state and local benefits to people who are not supposed to be living in New Jersey," stated Doherty.

He added, "It is outrageous that Governor Corzine wants to force rural towns to pay for State Police protection in order to save $24 million when New Jersey taxpayers are spending $300 to $400 million on public benefits for illegal immigrants and undocumented workers."

Assembly Bill A-1410 was first introduced on May 5, 2003. It was reintroduced in the current legislative session and it now awaits action in the Assembly State Government Committee.

The 23rd Legislative District includes all of Warren and most of Hunterdon Counties.

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