Welfare to kids of illegals in LA County costs $276 million per year

[MaggieL]

Originally Posted by wolf

I see enough illegals seeking treatment that I know why I'm not getting a raise this year despite sterling performance.

You mean you don't get a raise, even though business is booming? :-)

Well, if it was the *children* of illegals you were treating, that would be different, because they are citizens.

Wouldn't it? :-)

I still think that new NZ law has the right idea on that score...

Those present in New Zealand as permanent residents before 21 April 2005, or those who applied successfully for permanent residence before that date, may be able to apply for New Zealand citizenship after 3 years' "ordinary residence" (this provision expires on 1 January 2010).

Those that have been in New Zealand without a permit during their ordinary residence period do not meet the requirements because "unlawful residence" is precluded in the Citizenship Act 1977. Ordinary residence is assessed by backdating three years before an application is lodged. Time spent in New Zealand before the three year period is not relevant.

One must also intend to continue to reside in New Zealand, be of good character, have sufficient knowledge of the English language, and demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of being a New Zealand Citizen.

...and I think the wording of the Fourteenth Amendment would support that interpretation, too...even though that's not how it's currently applied. (We seem to have a problem with how we apply the Second Amendment too, go figure.)

Obviously an illegal alien isn't "under the jurisdiction of the US", nor are their children...at least until they're apprehended. This is yet another way to reduce the incentives to break immigration law, along with making it unprofitable to hire illegal labor. "Dive across the border and have a kid as quickly as possible; the gringos will pay for it."