Bill would reimburse states for expenses on illegal immigration

Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) has introduced legislation that would reimburse states for spending related to illegal immigrants using accounts set aside for foreign aid.

Ellmers argued that the U.S. should address states’ spending on public school education, detention facilities and emergency medical treatment for undocumented immigrants.

{mosads}”Rather than continue to supply an endless amount of foreign aid abroad, it’s time we redirect funding sent overseas and prioritize our local governments who are left footing the bill,” Ellmers said.

“These children are being funneled into our public schools and our hospitals are forced to provide emergency care, but our states are given no financial assistance to deal with this ongoing problem,” Ellmers added.

Under the bill, the Treasury Department would create a program to pay back states for expenses related to illegal immigrants, including those participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

State and local governments, as well as school boards, would be able to apply for reimbursement for the expenses to the Treasury Department. Applicable expenses would include public school education, detention facilities, medical care and other services for the immigrants. 

Funding for the Treasury Department program would come out of foreign aid accounts in the Department of State.