Kendall County Times

Veteran Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) has grown even more disgusted with how the state's Democrats are handling the issue of immigration.

“By purposely preventing the enforcement of our country’s immigration laws, Illinois has become a destination for illegal immigrants, which is putting pressure on our hospitals and our healthcare facilities,” Oberweis, now running against Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) in the 14th Congressional District, told the Kendall County Times.  “One of my goals as the next congressman will be to implement meaningful immigration reforms to stop the flow of illegal immigration into our country and stop the use of taxpayer dollars going to provide benefits to people who are here illegally.”

Oberweis argues a provision in the state’s newly passed budget bill that stands to make Illinois the first state to provide Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants’ just promises more of the same. As of July 1, 2021, undocumented immigrants over the age of 65 with incomes of $12,670 or less would be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits.

“Instead of using taxpayer funds to pay for Medicaid benefits for illegals, we should be focused on meaningful immigration reform,” he said. “We should not be sending the message that not only can you break our laws to get into our country but we are also going to give you benefits and pay you money for being here. What nation in the world does this for people who break the law?”

Obrweis adds it’s on lawmakers to find the right balance in sending a clear message about what the state stands for.

“There are millions of people who have migrated to this country through legal means and it is not fair to them to divert public money to fund programs and services to benefit people who came to this country illegally,” he said.