Pennsylvania pays feds almost $50 million over wrong services to immigrants

Pennsylvania will pay the federal government $48.8 million over allegations that the state provided services and benefits to ineligible immigrants.

The government did not immediately say whether services were given to illegal immigrants, just that the state failed to verify that immigrants qualified for the programs before handing out benefits.

“This settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect taxpayer funds and ensure they are used for their intended purposes,” said Joyce Branda, acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

“The Department of Justice will continue to ensure that everyone, including the states, follows the law, but also recognizes the importance of these programs administered by the state that are essential for lower income individuals,” she said.

The three main programs in question were Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Some Republicans are likely to focus on the case, having accused state governments and the Obama administration of not doing enough to keep track of immigrants coming into the U.S.