Letter to the editor: Democrats need to put Americans first

When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. When you find yourself out of money, stop spending. That is common sense.

The government is out of funds, yet Democrats want massive spending commitments before approving funding. Affordable Care Act health benefits and subsidies for immigrants is the major issue. Immigrants lawfully admitted for permanent residence aren’t affected. Illegal immigrants aren’t eligible. Legal immigrants who will not be eligible for ACA benefits include immigrants formally granted asylum, plus 900,000 immigrants made “legal” when Biden granted sweeping parole statuses. Those on parole are only slightly above illegal status. Neither has made any commitment to the United States to seek permanent status, or to seek citizenship. Both remain eligible for emergency medical care and an array of additional benefits at no cost, or commitment.

Asylum doesn’t automatically ensure the benefits of permanent resident status. It does not ensure a life on easy street. Immigrants should plan to support themselves and provide their own health care. Care should be provided for those in desperate need. However, we cannot lavish all benefits on all immigrants.

Democrats should think of Americans first and shouldn’t be generous with money we do not have and get to work.

Bruce Argall

Greensburg