This is just one example of loopholes built into the bills. The Federation for American Immigration Reform has just issued an analysis of the Senate bill, pointing out provisions that will help illegal aliens benefit. See it on their Web site.

Dear Mrs. Van Staaveren:

Thank you for contacting me about provisions in the health care reform bill related to undocumented immigrants. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you know, Congress is considering legislation to expand access to health care coverage and address the skyrocketing costs of medical care. I understand that people are very passionate about this debate, and I believe reasonable folks across the ideological spectrum can disagree about how best to proceed. However, what disappoints me is that several special interest groups have chosen to distort the record on many issues related to health care reform legislation.

One claim that I have heard is that health care proposals in Congress would result in large giveaways of federally subsidized health care to immigrants in the country illegally. This claim is patently untrue. Both the House passed health care bill and the version being debated in the Senate explicitly prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving government subsidized health insurance. But you don't have to take my word for it; both factcheck.org and polifact.com, nonpartisan websites devoted to truth in politics, have thoroughly debunked this myth online. As debate on the health care legislation continues, I will remain an active participant to ensure that those in the country illegally do not receive federally subsidized coverage. As I do so, I will be sure to keep your views and needs in mind.

Again, thank you for keeping me apprised of issues that are important to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance in the future.