(WASHINGTON, DC) – US Representative Sue Myrick (NC-09) joined 53 of her colleagues in signing a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader John Boehner asking that measures be included in the House bill on health care reform to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are not extended to illegal immigrants.

While HR 3200, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act, states that illegal immigrants are not eligible for benefits, the bill fails to outline any enforcement measures that ensure benefits are not going to those who are here illegally.

“People who come to this country illegally respond to incentives,” said Rep. Myrick. “Creating new federal health programs that don’t require verification of legal residency is simply irresponsible. We must address this common sense issue so that taxpayers aren’t required to foot the bill for those who aren’t here lawfully”.

According to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) the bill “does not contain any restrictions on non-citizens – whether legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently – participating in the Health Insurance Exchange.” 

Please see the attached document for the full-text of the letter.