Arizona Strikes Again - But Off The Mark This Time? Here's A Better Idea...

Arizona is considering a bill that would require patients to show proof of citizenship.

Normally I would agree with most measures designed to curb the illegal immigrant problem, but in this case the attempt is off the mark. And there is a better solution.

First, the reason it is misguided: if an illegal has a dangerous, contagious disease and avoids medical treatment because they do not want to risk deportation, they could spread the disease to countless others - including American citizens.

As to a better solution: require proof of citizenship with a guarantee their status will not be reported to authorities, then send the bill for the treatment to that person's government. If the government refuses to pay, take it out of any aid or trade that government gets from the U.S.

This way, the sick can be treated in a humane manner, yet the American taxpayer is not saddled with the expense of paying the support of people who are here illegally and citizens of another country.

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