In a Senate floor speech Wednesday, Sen. Rand Paul(R-Ky) referred to undocumented immigrants as “non-people” as he stalled the coronavirus stimulus bill negotiated by the White House and House Democrats.
Paul called for an amendment intended to pay for some of the costs of the aid by blocking people without a Social Security number from accessing federal child tax credits. He argued the move would save $26 billion.
“If you want to apply for money from the government through the child tax credit program, then you have to be a legitimate person,” Paul said. “It has nothing to do with not liking immigrants. It has to do with saying, taxpayer money shouldn’t go to non-people.”
Though many undocumented immigrants work in the U.S. without a Social Security number, studies have repeatedly shown that most pay taxes to the government. A recent study from the immigration think tank New American Economy found that undocumented immigrants contribute roughly $13 billion to the Social Security fund per year.
The Senate ultimately rejected Paul’s amendment in a 95-3 vote.
Btw, in arguing for his amendment that stalled coronavirus legislation, Paul suggested that to be a "legitimate person" you need a SS#. He described undocumented immigrants who don't have them as "non-people." pic.twitter.com/GkeZkzwJUd
— Michael McAuliff (@mmcauliff) March 18, 2020
Share your thoughts.
