Brewer bars public benefits for illegal immigrants

You've got to love Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer who is calling US President Barack Obama out on his recent amnesty decree.  Obama's amnesty is not legal, it did not go through Congress, he did not issue an executive order, and Brewer is calling him on it.  Brewer issued an executive order telling state agencies not to grant driver's licenses to program participants.  As the Arizona Republic reports, Brewer action reiterates that state agencies are required to deny licenses and other public benefits to all undocumented immigrants, even those who gain approval under President Barack Obama's new "deferred action" program. 

In her executive order, Brewer essentially said that undocumented immigrants granted deferred action will not be recategorized as lawful residents. The order is intended to cut through some confusion created by the president's program, Brewer spokesman Matthew Benson said.

"As the (DHS) has said repeatedly ... these individuals do not have lawful status," Benson told The Republic. "They are able to remain in the country and not be deported and not be prosecuted, but they do not have lawful status."

Brewer's order bars undocumented immigrants who receive deferred action from public benefits that include state-subsidized child care; KidsCare, a children's health-insurance program; unemployment benefits; business and professional licenses and government contracts, Benson said.  [snip]

Benson, however, referred to a state law stating that those who are not "a citizen or legal resident of the United States or who is without lawful immigration status is not entitled to classification as an in-state student."

"It's illegal," Benson said. "Any public institution that is seeking to grant in-state tuition to these individuals, should beware: It's against the law."  ( More here, hat tip Drudge)

 

Comments

[Susan Benton]

HURRAH FOR HER. This is great news. She will need th stand strong, the next 6 months will not be easy.

[John]

Jan Brewer has guts we don't see in many politicians - conservative or socialist. I am reminded of Reagan firing the air traffic controllers. Here is to hoping she aspires to the national stage.

[USCIS Gov]

I think she's somehow right those undocumented immigrants must not have or allowed to apply for drivers license. They must learn that all illegal practices is not allowed in our country they must first become a legal citizen.

[PALADIN]

Now thats a lady i could vote for, tough, smart, and principled.