The Senate is preparing to review a significant bill that could drastically change the landscape of social safety net programs for legal immigrants in the U.S. This measure, which has already passed in the House, aims to cut access to essential services for various groups, including refugees and asylum seekers, while increasing the costs associated with the immigration process.
On October 16, 2023, people were seen shopping for food in a Brooklyn neighborhood known for its large immigrant population, highlighting the everyday realities that many face amidst these proposed changes. The legislation is part of a broader push by Republicans to tighten immigration policies and reduce government spending on social services.
The House bill seeks to eliminate food assistance, healthcare, and educational benefits for hundreds of thousands of legal immigrants. Advocacy groups warn that if the Senate approves the bill, many individuals who rely on these services could be left without vital support. Critics of the bill, like Shelby Gonzales from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, describe it as an unprecedented attempt to restrict access to benefits for those who are already vulnerable.
Currently, immigrants without legal status do not qualify for federal benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or healthcare coverage. However, some legal immigrants, including those granted refugee or asylum status, do have access. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the proposed changes could make about 250,000 legally present individuals ineligible for SNAP, potentially saving the government $4 billion over the next decade.
Alongside cuts to benefits, the bill introduces new fees for immigration-related services. A proposed $1,000 fee for asylum applications, which currently do not have a cost, raises concerns among advocates who argue that many applicants would struggle to afford such an expense. Heidi Altman from the National Immigration Law Center criticized the proposed fees as punitive rather than reasonable.
The bill also aims to make lawfully present immigrants, including those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, ineligible for Medicare and Affordable Care Act coverage. These changes could significantly impact the healthcare access of those who were brought to the U.S. as children.
The legislation reflects a long-standing effort by some lawmakers to limit public benefits for immigrants. Mark Krikorian, from the Center for Immigration Studies, noted that these measures are intended to save money and encourage self-deportation among those who do not have legal status.
As the bill moves to the Senate, some members have expressed concerns that the proposed cuts may not go far enough. Senators are expected to review the measures closely, with some advocating for even deeper reductions. Immigration advocacy groups hope that the Senate will reconsider the impact of these changes, particularly on vulnerable populations.
The outcome of this bill could have lasting effects on immigrant communities across the country, raising questions about how society supports those seeking a better life in the U.S.