In most cases when an illegal immigrant is injured at a U.S. company, courts have ruled in favor of giving workers’ comp benefits. One state is trying to put a stop to that.
South Carolina legislators have introduced a bill that would bar illegal immigrants from collecting disability benefits when they’re hurt on the job.
State Sen. Tom Davis (R) said there’s a lot of frustration that illegal immigrants enjoy public benefits to the same extent as citizens or immigrants with proper paperwork.
However, Sen. Brad Hutto (D) feared that doctors and hospitals would be left with unpaid bills if this legislation is passed.
Diana Salazar, president of the Latino Association of Charleston said it’s unfair that these illegal immigrants can care for children, build houses and hold other jobs but not get benefits if they’re hurt on the job.
The state senate committee considering the bill set it aside for the time being to collect more testimony.
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