GOP bill would build double-layered fence along southern border

Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) has introduced legislation that would impose stringent measures to secure the border.

Stockman’s bill, titled the SECURITY (Safely Exacting Cautious Useful Rules for Immigration This Year) Act would order the construction of a double fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and deploy additional National Guard troops. 

{mosads}The measure would further prevent undocumented immigrants allowed to stay in the U.S., such as those eligible for two-year work permits under the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) program, from receiving public benefits.

“These illegals say they are coming because Obama promised them welfare benefits,” Stockman said. “The invasion stops once Congress passes this bill, which cuts off welfare benefits to these illegals even if Obama issues an executive order giving them amnesty.”

However, undocumented immigrants already cannot receive welfare benefits like Social Security payments or food stamps since they do not have Social Security numbers. Only in a handful of cases can individuals get around lacking an official identification from the federal government. For instance, undocumented immigrants can instead use a taxpayer identification number to apply for the child tax credit.

Last month, the House passed a bill to overhaul the child tax credit so that applicants must provide a Social Security number.

Stockman’s measure would also prohibit immigrants who are criminal gang members from being eligible for asylum or refugee status.

 “Under Obama’s amnesty scheme these killer gang members are set loose in the United States to later get amnesty. Obama doesn’t care,” Stockman said.