Alan Simpson: “I believe that all persons, legal or illegal, should be provided emergency disaster and medical assistance. When they…”

“I believe that all persons, legal or illegal, should be provided emergency disaster and medical assistance. When they are distributing blankets, food and temporary shelter, the providers of these necessities should not be checking the immigration status of persons who are in immediate and dire need of help. However, for long-term loans and grants for rent while homes are being repaired or for loans and grants for the costs of repairing homes, or for loans and grants for the costs of rebuilding businesses-- these should not be made available to illegal aliens. Small business loans and grants should not be awarded to persons who should not even be in the country and who are not hear legally. Therefore, I do support this amendment which very humanely allows for the provision of immediate disaster emergency and medical assistance to all persons, but which will reserve the long-term loans and grants--the big money big ticket items--for American citizens who have lost so much in the earthquake.”