Napolitano Sends A $357 Million Bill To The US Government

Gov. Napolitano sent an updated invoice to the federal Justice Dept, seeking reimbursement of funds the state expends to imprison illegal immigrants, plus interest. The latest invoice is for more than $357 million & covers fiscal years 2003-2006 & portions of 2007.

This is the 7th invoice that the Governor has sent. Napolitano began sending the invoices in Oct. of 2004. So far, the state of Arizona has received only $18.9 million of the funds requested. If Arizona were properly reimbursed, there'd be enough money to send every 5-year-old in the state to all-day kindergarten.

The invoices are pursuant to the federal law that created the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). When immigrants enter the U.S. illegally, then commit a crime, SCAAP requires the federal government to take custody of the inmates or to reimburse states for the cost of incarceration. It costs Arizona, on average, $58.21 per day to house each inmate.

“It’s time for the federal government to take responsibility,” said Gov. Napolitano. “Illegal immigration costs Arizona too much already.”

President Bush’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 allocates no money for SCAAP. This will leave the states to cover 100% of the costs for imprisoning these inmates.