(Chris Parker, Headline USA) Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., is investigating the volume of food stamps being given to illegal immigrants at a time when Americans are facing record inflation.
While the federal government has limited eligibility for SNAP benefits to minors, asylum seekers and refugees, DesJarlais argued that it’s actually very easy for virtually anyone entering the country illegally to fit into one of those categories, reported Just the News.
“According to the Biden administration, the USDA, it’s very difficult,” he said.
“But if you look at the list of reasons and exclusions of those who can get it, it includes about everyone crossing the border today.”
The benefits given to illegals don’t stop there. Desjarlais also said, “they can get emergency medical care, they’re getting an education, especially the asylum-seekers, which again, was probably 80% — we’re working on getting those exact numbers.”
DesJarlais is trying to get those numbers ahead of a farm bill being prepared for next year. The number of illegal immigrants living in the United States has risen significantly since Joe Biden took office.
Several states are currently suing the Biden administration over its lax immigration policies in an effort to relieve the burden on American taxpayers. They are also accusing the administration of “building their own illegal organization to transport illegal immigrants into and around our country.”
Democrats have denied the allegations. According to Committee Chairwoman Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., “Only U.S. citizens and certain lawfully-present non-citizens may receive SNAP benefits.”
“Non-citizens who are eligible based on their immigration status must also meet other SNAP eligibility requirements, such as income and resource limits,” Hayes said.
However, DesJarlais argued that, “Nobody comes here just saying, ‘Ah, I thought I’d give your country a try.’
“They’re all seeking asylum and that automatically qualifies you — or a refugee status, or if you’re 18 or younger, you qualify. So pretty much most people do qualify for food stamps, despite the denials in the — really, the Democrat side of the committee and the USDA.”
According to a study conducted in 2017, illegal immigrants cost American taxpayers about $100 billion per year.
