$30 million restored to criminal illegal immigration program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced today that funding has been restored to an essential federal program that reimburses state and local governments for the costs of incarcerating illegal immigrants.
In June, when an appropriations subcommittee decided to cut funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), the Tucson lawmaker launched a campaign to get it restored.
“The sheriffs of Southern Arizona have made it very clear,” Giffords said. “SCAAP funding is critical to their work apprehending, arresting and imprisoning illegal immigrants. Adequately funding this important program is vital to border states which have long had to endure the burdens of illegal immigration.”
For the past several weeks, Giffords has been educating members about the proposed reduction in SCAAP funding. She has been recruiting her colleagues to join her in signing a letter to Appropriations Chairman David Obey asking for an increase. Ultimately, 56 members of Congress - including 12 Republicans - signed the letter, which is attached.
“Relieving the burdens imposed by illegal immigration on our local communities is an important issue that transcends party lines,” Giffords said.
Largely as a result of this aggressive lobbying effort, the House Appropriations Committee today agreed to provide $405 million for SCAAP in next year’s federal budget, $30 million more than originally designated.
“Under-funding SCAAP places a significant cost burden on local governments, stretching their resources and hampering their ability to protect our communities and uphold the law,” Giffords and her colleagues wrote in a letter to the committee. “Given the increasing importance of local law enforcement personnel to the homeland security and immigration enforcement mission, supporting their contribution to this mission with appropriate funds is critical.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Honda of California introduced the amendment, at the request of Giffords that increased funding for SCAAP in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and related Agencies appropriations bill.
“Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ leadership was critical,” said Honda. “She worked hard to explain the importance of SCAAP to Appropriations Committee members and championed our effort to increase its funding.”
Gov. Janet Napolitano praised both Giffords and Pastor for their work. “The federal government is long overdue in reimbursing state and local law enforcement agencies in Arizona for their efforts to address illegal immigration,” she said. “SCAAP has been under-funded for years and most of our counties receive a fraction of what Washington owes them. I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee voted today to return $30 million to SCAAP. More is needed, but this is an important step in the right direction. Representatives Giffords and Pastor spearheaded this successful effort in Congress and Arizona appreciates their leadership.”