John McCain Backs Plan to Pay for Illegal Immigrant's Hospital Bills

[Mrs Behavin]

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) is backing the renewal of a $250 million-a-year program that will pay illegal immigrants’ hospital bills.

The very idea that McCain is again supporting a program that some view as rewarding illegal immigrants is certain to attract attention from the same conservatives he’s trying to win over for the White House.

The measure, which would reimburse hospitals for the cost of treating illegal immigrants, has broad support from both parties, including from some immigration hardliners and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).

Even some of McCain’s toughest critics on immigration admit it is a relatively benign program. But McCain’s association with it underscores his rift on immigration with the right wing, which sees him as championing amnesty for illegal immigrants.

“It’s another reminder that he’s ‘Amnesty John,’ ” said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, who nevertheless has no major objection to the proposal. “It’s another reminder of his role in promoting not just amnesty but promoting illegal immigration in the first place.”

An aide to McCain said the Arizona Republican stands by his position.

TheHill.com - Illegals haunt McCain

 

[Minor Axis]

I was sitting out front today listening to some workers putting up siding on the neighbor's house in the Minneapolis suburbs. They were all talking in Spanish. Any bets that some or all of them are illegal? Any bets they are working below the going wage for siders before immigrants showed up? I admit, these are assumptions, but my understanding I would have a good chance of winning my bets. And if I did win my bets, it's just another example of how illegal immigration is lowering our standard of living.

I have nothing against legal immigrants.

 

[NicAuf]

Fuck that shit!

 

[Tim]

a $250 million-a-year program that will pay illegal immigrants’ hospital bills.

Is this money going to the illegal immigrants or is it going to the hospitals to reimburse the services that they provided to them (by law)

If it's going to the hospitals, then I support this 100%... you can't make it a law that hospitals cannot refuse service then penalize them because they gave service to people who cannot/willnot pay.

 

[Minor Axis]

Is this money going to the illegal immigrants or is it going to the hospitals to reimburse the services that they provided to them (by law)

If it's going to the hospitals, then I support this 100%... you can't make it a law that hospitals cannot refuse service then penalize them because they gave service to people who cannot/willnot pay.

I see your point. This has been an issue for years. My understanding is our laws require hospitals to treat everyone legal or illegal.

 

[Alien Allen]

I see your point. This has been an issue for years. My understanding is our laws require hospitals to treat everyone legal or illegal.

I am not sure if it is universal but had an interesting experience. My mother had a knee replacement and due to her age she then went to a rehab facility. Which was a nursing home with rehab. anyway she had complications unrelated to the knee. her heart and lungs were failing. so it was decided to send her back to the hospital. this was about 4 days after being released. when the ambulance picked her up they had to get clearance to take her back to the same hospital. The hospital was legally full and could refuse an ambulance. However the ambulance driver told us if one drives up to the hospital in a car that the hospital must take the patient.