Welfare & Healthcare, Licenses for Immigrants in The U.S.

Neither illegal nor legal immigrants should ever be turned away for healthcare. Once the U.S. allows this, the country risks the spread of disease, and the worsening of conditions, which will later end up costing society more in one way or another.

Allowing all immigrants to apply for Medicaid and public assistance makes way for a more organized and efficient form of aid, that will, in many cases, help people get back on their feet and be more able to care for themselves in the long run. It will also give the U.S. government a better handle on illegal immigration, and a better understanding of the issues and costs, since now, they are going underground to get the benefits.

Last but not least, it's the human thing to do, to make sure people have food, shelter and healthcare. Many politicians do make a distinction, saying that legal immigrants, but not illegal immigrants, should have access to benefits.

Illegal immigrants cost the United States billions each year in welfare and healthcare costs, and this is when they are not even eligible for benefits. If they were made eligible, the costs would quadruple. Legal immigrants do not cost the country as much anymore, because there is a waiting period for benefits. This should not be reversed. Immigration to the United States is a privilege, not a right. Immigrants should work to earn a living for at least a few years before they can tap into public services.

Where George W. Bush Stands:
Bush supports the 1996 law.

Where Most Democrats Stand:
Most representatives of the Democratic party support restoring and protecting benefits for legal immigrants, but are not in favor of making illegals eligible for benefits.