Alan Simpson: “again, as in last night's activity, a difficult and emotional issue, couched in the terms of immigration and…”

“again, as in last night's activity, a difficult and emotional issue, couched in the terms of immigration and welfare--either we do something or we do not. It is very simple. The Dole welfare reform bill would for 5 years require the deeming of a sponsor's income and resources in the case of a sponsored immigrant seeking public assistance. Immigration law is riddled with compassionate loopholes and people are fed up. We must place sensible controls on these continuing conditions or Americans will be in terminable compassion fatigue. This 5-year deeming period is consistent with the 5-year deeming period for SSI, which we did last year. It is exactly the same as that 5 years. It is exactly the 5-year deeming period for AFDC and food stamps proposed by the President of the United States in his own welfare reform bill, the President's proposal. The sponsor's assets and income are deemed to be those of the immigrants when you come to the United States. The only immigrants affected by this 5-year deeming period are those who have already entered within the last 5 years and who apply for or are already receiving public assistance of some form or amount. Please hear that.”