Immigrants more likely to use welfare

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- A study of U.S. Census Bureau data says immigrants and illegal aliens are more likely to use welfare programs because they often lack a high school diploma.

The report by the Center for Immigration Studies, which wants to limit immigration, said 33 percent of immigrant households use at least one major welfare program -- such as the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program -- compared with 19 percent of U.S.-born households, USA Today reported.

The group's research director, Steven Camarota, said the report shows the family-based immigration system puts a strain on taxpayer-funded services, The Washington Times said.

"Allowing in legal immigrants mainly based on family relationships, and tolerating widespread illegal immigration, certainly has very significant implications for social services, public schools and taxpayer services," he said.

Angela Kelley of the Immigration Law Foundation said the report failed to capture the true experience of immigrants to the United States.

"Immigrants come to this country; they work hard; if they can get legal status, that improves their chances, they buy homes, they learn English, they intermarry -- and it's been the success story of this nation," she told The Washington Times.