California Fights For Federal Funds for Immigrant Incarceration

Copley News Service ^ | July 31, 2002 | Joe Cantlupe

[Selmo]

State fights for U.S. funds in jailing of immigrants

WASHINGTON – Year after year, California lawmakers battled the White House – whether the occupant's name was Clinton or Bush – for more money to help pay for the cost of jailing criminal immigrants.

Now, the Bush administration has fueled more controversy among state politicians. It wants to eliminate the 6-year-old State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which could result in the loss of more than $200 million to California and its counties.

"I believe it would be a terrible mistake to eliminate funding," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "The bottom line is that the control of illegal immigration is a federal responsibility, but more and more of this burden is shifting to our state and local governments."

Last year, state and local jurisdictions nationwide received $565 million in federal funds for the program, with California receiving the bulk of it – 40 percent. One of every seven prison beds in California is occupied by a criminal illegal immigrant, officials said.

Feinstein sponsored a bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month that would continue funding the program.

So far, however, no money has been proposed by the Bush administration. The Senate Appropriations Committee – which holds the purse strings for the Justice Department and other government agencies – also has not included funds.

But Capitol Hill sources said there is a strong likelihood that a proposal may be forthcoming in the House to provide $565 million for the reimbursement program – the same as last year.

"Usually, the House puts more money into the program, but no bill has been proposed," said Mary Beth Sullivan, an analyst for the California Institute for Federal Policy Research. "There's going to be a lot of horse-trading."

Despite the Bush budget plan, Sullivan doubts the program will be eliminated. "I don't think it's going to happen," she said.

Nationwide, state and local governments face more than $13 billion in incarceration costs.

As governor of Texas, Bush usually lobbied the federal government for more reimbursement funds. When he became president, however, his position changed.

Last year, the White House proposed $265 million for the program – less than half the amount ultimately approved by Congress.

But in the president's fiscal 2003 budget documents, the Justice Department said it proposes to eliminate the reimbursement program.

"Unlike other grant programs, this money is not used to encourage states or localities to fund effective and innovative criminal justice programs that address crime problems in their communities," it said in the budget statement.

"Therefore, in light of the tight 2003 budget," it says in the document, "the department proposed to eliminate this program which is less critical to the department's mission than other grant programs."

[goldstategop]

Let illegal aliens commit crimes but don't provide funds to hold and deport them. Way to go Mr President!!!

[umgud]

What about the cost of education, medical services and other assistance and ifrastructure costs?

[FITZ]

You have to wonder why we're told on one hand that we must pay to keep up a public education system and are told how important it is to have an educated population but at the same time the government is bringing in millions of people with no education at all. It starts to seem like some kind of bad joke.

[brat]

"Nationwide, state and local governments face more than $13 billion in incarceration costs."

But they're so good for the economy! ~sarcasm off~

[glc1173@aol.com]

Why not more federal funds for immigrant deportation?

Not only illegal aliens - but most felons who are legal aliens - can be deported. Right now, INS is going from prison to prison to pick up aliens at the end of their sentences to take them home. Why not deport them right after conviction? Why should we be the prison system for the Third World - paid for by Americans?

Get the sticker!

[lewislynn]

At least California's encarcerating them, that's more than Bush is doing....Pack them back into Bush's approved free wheeling Mexican semi's their relations are coming over in....

[Sabertooth]

Now, the Bush administration has fueled more controversy among state politicians. It wants to eliminate the 6-year-old State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which could result in the loss of more than $200 million to California and its counties.

"I believe it would be a terrible mistake to eliminate funding," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "The bottom line is that the control of illegal immigration is a federal responsibility, but more and more of this burden is shifting to our state and local governments."

I'm not a big Feinstein fan, but she's right on this and actually has a decent record against Illegals. Better than not a few Republicans.

What's the possible good explanation for this move by the Bush Adminstration?

[Luis Gonzalez]

I understand that California provides more welfare assistance to illegal immigrants than any other State in the Union.

Is that correct?

[Mo1]

Thanks for the Ping Sabertooth ..

I heard something about this tonight on TV but I didn't have a chance to really listen so I can't really comment on it


But I will pay more attention the next time ..

[Luis Gonzalez]

A couple of things.

This money goes to keep criminal immigrants in jail, bot deport them.

The White House simply hasn't submitted the proposal.

It says that he will repeat last year's contribution.

Will you also be making negative comments about Bush spending money, and caving in to the Liberals when the thread is posted announcing the fact that he gave thjem their $226 million?

[Sabertooth]

I understand that California provides more welfare assistance to illegal immigrants than any other State in the Union.

Is that correct?

I'm 100% certain of it. We've got more Illegals than anyone else, and we're a high welfare state.

Based on the ruling of US Distric Court Judge Marian Pfaelzer which threw out Proposition 187, we aren't allowed to "discriminate" against Illegals because immigration is a federal matter.

We probably also have more Illegal prisoners than any other state. That's also a federal matter.

[goldstategop]

They why haven't they submitted the proposal? Its common sense. I don't mind paying tax dollars to help jail and deport criminal aliens. What I do mind are the proposals circulating in Washington to give freebies and other handouts for illegal aliens. I don't yield any quarter to liberals; I just want our President to do what most of the American people want. Which is making sure people who aren't supposed to be here in the first place are gone, period.

[goldstategop]

Yup. If the Feds think we need to take care of illegal aliens let them foot the entire bill for it. Its only fair, since they were the ones who slapped down Proposition 187.

[Mo1]

Based on the ruling of US Distric Court Judge Marian Pfaelzer which threw out Proposition 187, we aren't allowed to "discriminate" against Illegals because immigration is a federal matter.

OK .. the Judge said you weren't allow to discriminate .. but did she said how much you had to give them

I'm thinking cut the amount and don't have it so attractive to them ..

There must be ways to get around these laws .. Democrats do it all the time .

Why can't we???

[goldstategop]

Eliminate the incentives. Toughen our immigration laws just like we did for corporate felons. Then we'll see how many still stay in this country and I'm sure others will have second thoughts about sneaking in here.

[Luis Gonzalez]

California literally markets itself to attract illegal aliens.

You guys bring them in, you pay to keep them in jail.

I don't see why the rest of us have to help.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Bring down the welfare State, and you eliminate the problem.

[Mo1]

Fine I have no problem with that tighten up immigration laws

But also keep in mind that to round up all these people at once will take YEARS

It will also cost a boat load of money .. and the ALCU will have a field day with the courts screaming civil rights abuses

Now I know you're not going to like my answer .. but I tend to deal with reality and I'm trying to look at the whole picture

What I suggested in my other post is just ONE way of handling this mess

I'm sure others have idea's also

[goldstategop]

Agreed. It just sickens me to my stomach to hear some "conservative" congresscritters like Orrin Hatch and Chris Cannon want to add more to the gravy train instead of getting rid of it to begin with.