Liberals Seek Health Care Access for Illegal Immigrants...

[Army Husker]

Fearful that they're losing ground on immigration and health care, a group of House Democrats is pushing back and arguing that any health care bill should extend to all legal immigrants and allow illegal immigrants some access, The Washington Times reported on Monday.

 

The Democrats, trying to stiffen their party's spines on the contentious issue, say it's unfair to bar illegal immigrants from paying their own way in a government-sponsored exchange. Legal immigrants, they say, regardless of how long they've been in the United States, should be able to get government-subsidized health care if they meet the other eligibility requirements.

 

"Legal permanent residents should be able to purchase their plans, and they should also be eligible for subsidies if they need it. Undocumented, if they can afford it, should be able to buy their own private plans. It keeps them out of the emergency room," said Rep. Michael M. Honda, California Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

 

Honda was joined by more than 20 of his colleagues in two letters laying out the demands.

 

Coverage for immigrants is one of the thorniest issues in the health care debate, and one many Democratic leaders would like to avoid. But immigrant rights groups and the Democrats who sent the letters say they have to take a stand now.

 

A great vote generator for 2012, but won't happen.

[sarge87]

First, I don't see how legal "permanent" residents wouldn't be covered in the first place. They are legal. Not? Just another leftist "bogeyman" as justification to shout racist to pander.

 

I'm beginning to think Obama's biggest enemies are in his own party. If he signs this bill with this provision inserted, then his promise to not cover illegals, which he has said over, and over, and over again ad nauseum, will go out the window making him the liar Joe Wilson said he was.

 

Aw heck, If illegals wanted coverage bad enough, they could stop by their local ACORN office, and I'm sure they could circumvent enough laws to get them to qualify. If they can classify a prostitute as a "performance artist" on an IRS form without raising a red flag, I wouldn't be surprised.