On the recordApril 29, 1996
This issue of deeming is very simple. Deeming is this, and I hope we can try to keep toward this in the debate: The purpose of deeming is to make the sponsor of the immigrant responsible for the needs of the immigrant relative, that immigrant relative that the sponsor brought to this country. Everything we have done here with regard to this immigration issue, including the new affidavit support requirements, says if you bring your relative to the United States, you are going to be sure that they do not become a public charge. That has been the law since 1884 in the United States of America. The question is very simple. Either you deem the income of the sponsor, and every other thing that this person is going to get, or the taxpayer will pave to pick up the slack. That is where it is. Any other assistance will be required to be picked up by the citizens of the United States.
Source
govinfo.gov
