Fond Du Lac Times

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) has reintroduced the Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act, a legislation aimed at strengthening social safety net programs and ensuring their availability for U.S. citizens by preventing non-citizens from receiving federal welfare benefits. The bill, cosponsored by Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Jim Baird (R-IN), seeks to save taxpayers $60 billion in the first year alone.

In a statement, Congressman Grothman highlighted the need for the bill, stating, “The influx of illegal migrants through our southern border surpasses the population of 36 states. The number of those crossing illegally into the United States is overwhelming Border Patrol, American cities, and putting American citizens at risk.” He criticized President Biden's policies, mentioning decisions that have weakened border security.

Support for the bill also came from David J. Bier & Alex Nowrasteh of the CATO Institute, who praised Grothman's approach to supporting immigrant self-sufficiency and protecting taxpayers. They emphasized that the legislation would limit benefits to those who go through the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens, leading to increased tax revenue.

The Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act aims to give immigrants a "hand-up instead of a hand-out" to promote self-reliance and deter illegal crossings for welfare benefits. The bill aligns with the goal of ensuring that benefits are directed towards U.S. citizens while acknowledging the contributions of hardworking immigrants to the country.

Overall, Grothman's reintroduction of the Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act is positioned as a cost-saving measure that upholds the integrity of welfare programs and encourages immigrant integration through legal processes.