Editorial Staff
HARRISBURG, PA – Senators Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Chris Gebhard (R-48) unveiled plans to introduce legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration while simultaneously generating revenue to alleviate property taxes and rent burdens.
Addressing the press, Mastriano emphasized the detrimental impact of illegal immigration on Pennsylvania’s economy, asserting that funds sent overseas by illegal immigrants could be better utilized to provide property tax relief within the state.
The proposed bill would levy a 10% fee on international remittances, targeting funds sent to home countries by illegal immigrants through licensed money transfer agents.
Funds accrued from this fee would supplement the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which offers rebates of up to $1,000 to qualifying older adults and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and above.
Gebhard echoed Mastriano’s sentiments, highlighting the dual purpose of the legislation in deterring illegal financial transactions that could inadvertently support criminal activities such as drug trafficking and human exploitation.
International remittances, typically transferred electronically, siphon money out of the Pennsylvania economy and into foreign destinations, often serving as a financial lifeline for relatives and acquaintances residing in the immigrants’ countries of origin. Annually, over $70 billion flows out of the United States through such remittances.
The senators’ proposal draws inspiration from a similar initiative implemented in Oklahoma in 2014, which levied a 1% remittance fee. According to recent tax reports, this measure generated over $15 million for the state.
Mastriano expressed confidence in the viability of their proposal, citing Oklahoma’s success in mitigating capital flight. The lawmakers are currently soliciting support from their colleagues through a co-sponsorship memo before formally introducing the bill in the state Senate.