HARRISBURG, PA — Federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving state or local public benefits. However, Sen. Pat Stefano said Pennsylvania is too lenient in enforcing the federal provisions.

Pennsylvania recently agreed to pay the federal government $48.8 million to settle claims that it paid non-emergency Medicaid, family assistance and food stamp benefits to immigrants who did not qualify for them.

Stefano’s legislation would require anyone receiving public benefits in the state to provide identification proving they are legal residents. It would also require individuals to sign an affidavit stating they are a United States citizen, or an immigrant lawfully residing in this country. Illegal immigrants who falsely claims they are residing in the country legally, in order to obtain public benefits, will have committed a second-degree misdemeanor and be subject to arrest.