Washington, DC: Congressman Ron Paul yesterday voted to uphold welfare reform laws that revoked the eligibility of most legal immigrants to receive food stamps. Paul joined more than 170 of his House colleagues in opposing legislation that would loosen eligibility requirements and force American taxpayers to fund food stamp programs for recent immigrants.

“The welfare state, not immigration per se, is the real culprit behind many of the social ills attributed to immigration,” Paul stated. “America should welcome immigrants from around the world who want to come to this country, work hard, and create a better life for themselves. The hardworking immigrants who built this nation before any welfare system existed truly exemplified American ideals. Our current welfare state, however, distorts incentives by enabling recent immigrants to obtain taxpayer-funded benefits like food stamps. This system often attracts the wrong kind of immigrants and causes understandable resentment among taxpayers.”

“Only by ending welfare can we insure that immigrants come to America for the right reasons,” Paul concluded. “New immigrants should seek freedom and opportunity, not government handouts. Sensible immigration policies start with sensible welfare reform policies.”

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