Contact: Timothy Svoboda, (202) 225-2476
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today introduced H.R. 848, which will require an individual to be a U.S. citizen in order to receive welfare benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP.
H.R. 848 will encourage more hard-working immigrants to come to America, while discouraging those who only seek to come here to take advantage of our welfare state. A study published in 2015 shows that both legal and illegal immigrant households take advantage of the welfare system far more than native-born households. Moreover, Politifact confirms that half of immigrant families receive some form of welfare.
It is estimated that H.R. 848 would save taxpayers $60 billion in its first year.
“The welfare system in America, while started with good intentions, is in need of a major overhaul.” Said Grothman. “We need to clean up the welfare system so those who really do need help get it, but those who are able to work, should. America has become a beacon of prosperity throughout the world not because of our generous welfare system, but by how many jobs we provide for those looking for a better life for their family and themselves. I want to give every immigrant a hand-up instead of a hand-out so they too can share the dignity that comes with an honest day’s work, just like my ancestors had when they came to this country.”
“Grothman’s bill provides a better strategy to support immigrant self-sufficiency and protect taxpayers.” The Weekly Standard
“Grothman’s bill will save taxpayers a boatload of money, and it would do it without losing the benefits that hardworking immigrants provide. With more self-reliant immigrants, America could open its doors to even more who want to contribute to this country.” The Weekly Standard
