During CNN’s “The Source” on Tuesday, host Kaitlan Collins mentioned that discussing the misuse of the asylum system is unrelated when the focus is on asylum seekers receiving healthcare benefits amidst the government shutdown.
Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) argued, “Now, they’re threatening to halt government operations unless we allocate $1.5 trillion for programs that a majority of Americans no longer support, such as healthcare for non-citizens and illegal immigrants, and expanding healthcare programs to other countries. Unless we concede to this $1.5 trillion demand, the government will remain shut down. That’s not fair negotiation.”
Collins replied, “Okay, but these benefits aren’t for people here illegally. They are for individuals with a different legal standing, like asylum seekers and refugees.”
Sheehy then said, “Yeah, but saying noncitizens is accurate, though.”
Collins countered, “You said people who are here illegally.”
Sheehy responded, “Some of those people would be considered here illegally.”
Later, Sheehy claimed, “Many individuals apply for asylum without genuinely being asylum seekers. This system has been exploited by potentially tens of millions of people.”
Collins replied, “That process is governed by law. If the law doesn’t suit you, it needs amending. These people are not unlawfully crossing the border.”
Sheehy rebutted, “However, if they’ve manipulated the process and lied, that constitutes illegality. False asylum claims granted under a voluntary administrative decision—.”
Collins then stated, “Okay, you’re getting off the topic. My point is, people who are DACA recipients, temporary protected status refugees, these are the people who get — who qualify for that.”
