House leaders seek to refute rebate rumors

House leaders sought to squelch rumors Wednesday that economic stimulus checks may end up in the hands of illegal immigrants.

Immigration hardliners inside and outside the Capitol began expressing their concerns Monday that rebate checks could be sent to illegal immigrants who file under fraudulent Social Security numbers.

Reps. John Campbell (R-Calif.) and Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) were among those who expressed concerns with the House stimulus package on this issue.

On Wednesday, House Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) office stated, “A number of press reports have suggested the economic growth bill passed by the House on Tuesday contains language that would somehow enable illegal immigrants to receive a tax rebate. That is not accurate.  The bill includes language similar to the provisions included in the 2001 and 2003 tax relief bills designed specifically to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving benefits.”

At press time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was expected to issue a similar release on the matter.