Brewer blocks undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits
 

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer on Wednesday ordered state agencies to deny driver's licenses and other public benefits to young illegal immigrants who obtain work authorizations under a new Obama administration policy.
In an executive order, Brewer said she was reaffirming the intent of current Arizona law denying taxpayer-funded public benefits and state identification to illegal immigrants.
Young illegal immigrants around the nation on Wednesday began the process of applying for federal work permits under the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
The federal policy defers deportations for that group if they meet certain criteria, including arrival in the United States before they turned 16 and no convictions for certain crimes.
After President Barack Obama announced the policy change in June, Brewer labeled it "backdoor amnesty" and political pandering by the Democratic president.
Arizona has been in the vanguard of states enacting laws against illegal immigration.
The U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned parts of the Arizona enforcement law known as SB1070 but ruled that a key provision on requiring police to ask people about their immigration status under certain circumstances can be implemented.
The Obama administration challenged that law in 2010 after Brewer signed it into law.
In the past decade, Arizona voters twice approved laws denying publicly funded services, such as in-state resident university tuition rates, to illegal immigrants unless mandated by the federal government.
Brewer's order said the policy's federal paperwork doesn't confer lawful status on illegal immigrants and won't entitle them to Arizona public benefits.
However, it said the policy change "could result in some unlawfully present aliens inappropriately gaining access to public benefits contrary to the intent of Arizona voters and lawmakers who enacted laws expressly restricting access to taxpayer funded benefits and state identification."
Brewer directed state agencies to start any necessary emergency rulemaking processes to implement her order.
State Rep. Catherine Miranda, who supports the federal program, called Brewer's action mean-spirited.
"She just continues to put obstacles in front of young people in Arizona," the Phoenix Democrat said.
Rep. Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix, said he questioned whether the order would have much practical effect under Arizona's current laws. But he said it served to demonize good kids who should be allowed to get state-issued identification and enter the workforce.


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Re: Brewer blocks undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits
 

Someone, or, some woman has to take a stand.

Bless her,

Alaska

Re: Brewer blocks undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits
 

The President took a stand. I agree with his stance. It was the right thing to do. I only wish it was more about conviction and less about votes. I wish politics wouldn't prevent everyone from doing the right thing. If Governor Brewer was willing to work with the President at all, instead of taking the current Republican party mantra of obstruction and disagreement, even on things they've supported in the past, then maybe the outcome would be different. The states on the border do deserve special consideration in this matter. It's an 24/7 issue for them. Less for other states.

Re: Brewer blocks undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits
 

Undocumented immigrants?

Don't they mean ILLEGAL Aliens?

Re: Brewer blocks undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits
 

If this was in another country other than the US they would be in prison. Why we let anyone walk in this country by the 1000's,get benifits, pay no taxes and take our jobs is beyond me. I say build more prisons{like the ones in Mexico not these plush ones we have now, for their illegal a$$'es} and let them rot. THEY DON"T BELONG HERE!!!!

Re: Brewer blocks undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits
 

What is it that you view as 'right' about the stand this President has taken? And to be clear he isn't the only President to take this stand, and you are right when you say it is about votes.

There are laws that offer legal ways for people to enter this country. These laws are in place for a very good reason, and yet they are violated consistently, and the Federal Government flatly refuses to enforce them.

By the right stand, I assume you mean 'humane'. Let me ask you, where is this money that supports this very illegal act coming from? Our taxes is where.

Where did the government get this right to tax our wages? I'm asking because I want to know if you know, and based on your answer we can take the conversation in the appropriate direction.

I do have a point to make, and I'm not slamming you at all. I want you to fully understand why me and so many other's like me are so maddened by this and other similar issues.