California Cuts Off Illegal Aliens Governor Implements Federal Welfare Reform

Gov. Pete Wilson took his first step Tuesday to implement federal welfare reform in California, ordering state agencies to stop providing public services for illegal immigrants except lower education, emergency health care and incarceration - the most costly programs to the state.

Many of Wilson’s cuts directed at California’s nearly 2 million illegal immigrants are the same as those approved by voters two years ago with the passage of Proposition 187. So far, however, the changes have been blocked by a federal judge.

Now, Wilson says the way has been cleared anew by federal welfare reform signed last week by President Clinton.

Attorneys representing immigrants said they are studying the governor’s order, and that the issue may land back in court again.

But this time, Wilson officials will contend that they are implementing federal law, not changing the state’s.

Wilson’s order will trigger the thorny requirement that all applicants for state services must now prove their citizenship for eligibility.

The governor’s staff said the financial significance of Wilson’s order is largely unknown since it will not affect the most costly impacts of illegal immigration, such as K-12 education.

Wilson’s order Tuesday directs state agencies to search for any additional programs in which illegal immigrants might participate.

He cited several general areas for review such as welfare, colleges and universities, non-emergency health care, retirement, public or assisted housing, unemployment, food assistance, disability benefits, grants, contracts, loans and professional and commercial licenses.

In one concession to illegal immigrants, Wilson said in his news conference Tuesday he will ask for special legislation to continue the care for elderly illegal immigrants who now reside in state-operated nursing homes. The program costs about $10 million a year.

At the same time, he said he will move immediately to cut off prenatal care, which the governor’s staff estimates will save the state about $69 million a year and serves about 70,000 women annually.