States seek aid with cost of illegals

DALLAS, April 5 (UPI) -- County officials along the U.S.-Mexico border want the federal government to pay more of the cost of illegal aliens held in their jails on criminal charges.

David Austin, border representative for the U.S./Mexico Border Counties Coalition, said Tuesday the cost of housing criminal aliens is a national responsibility because the federal government has failed to control illegal immigration.

Under a 1995 program, the federal government picks up a portion of the cost of jailing illegal aliens held on criminal charges, but funding levels have been decreasing and President George W. Bush wants to eliminate the program.

Bush officials believe the program has failed to produce results and they support re-allocating the funds to the Border Patrol , claiming that would have a more long-term impact on the illegal immigration problem.

Despite the administration's opposition, Congress has appropriated funds for the program every year since 1995, although at reduced levels. About $305 million was provided for this year and the spending level for next year is now being debated in Congress.