Deukmejian Asks U.S. for $348 Million in Promised Aid

WASHINGTON — Gov. George Deukmejian wrapped up a four-day meeting with the nation’s governors Tuesday after appealing to federal officials to prevent the loss of $348 million due California to help defray the escalating cost of resettling immigrants.

The money, intended to reimburse the state for an array of immigration-related costs, such as health care and adult education, was promised as part of the landmark immigration reform law enacted in 1986. The funding became caught up in the federal deficit reduction efforts, however, and was not included in President Bush’s proposed budget.

In a meeting with Donald Newman, acting secretary of Health and Human Services, Deukmejian asked that the money be restored or that the states be relieved of requirements to provide some immigration services.