FRANKFORT, Ky. - A bill to keep illegal immigrants from getting welfare benefits in Kentucky is on its way to the Senate. The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Wilson of Bowling Green passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday by a unanimous vote.
The bill (SB 118) would require welfare applicants to present documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal residency in order to be eligible for the government benefits. If they're not able to produce a document such as a birth certificate or driver's license within 30 days, they could swear out an affidavit.
Wilson couldn't say how many illegal residents are getting benefits, but it was an issue voters were concerned about when he ran for election. The legislation would have no penalty except denial of benefits.