Immigration & Social Policies

Plyler v. Doe (1982)

Guaranteed public education for undocumented children.

Texas benefits of educating undocumented immigrants

Long-term tax contributions; deportation would cost billions.

Undocumented immigrants’ economic role

Provide cheap labor for agriculture/construction; contribute 73/person) - Requires sobriety, employment, school attendance.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Food aid for low-income families ($273/month) - Requires 20+ hrs/week work; excludes prepared meals, alcohol.

Purpose of social welfare programs

Supplemental support, not full income replacement.

Medicaid

Federal/state health insurance for low-income families, disabled, seniors.

Impact of underemployment

Workers take multiple low-wage jobs, remain in poverty, rely on welfare.

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Health care for children in families above Medicaid limits.