Luzerne Times

HARRISBURG – Seeking to generate a new revenue source for Pennsylvania, Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne) is set to introduce legislation that would impose a state fee on international remittances made by illegal immigrants.

"It is estimated that $70 billion is extracted from the U.S. economy annually by undocumented workers who send their earnings back to their home countries," said Cabell. "My bill would impose a fee to ensure some of that money stays right here in Pennsylvania and doesn’t go toward supporting the economy of a foreign nation."

Cabell's proposal specifically entails a 10% fee on international remittances sent abroad by undocumented workers through money transfer services, with the generated revenue intended to support the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefiting seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Highlighting the success of similar measures in other states, Cabell pointed out that Oklahoma's 1% fee on international remittances in 2014 yielded over $15 million in annual revenue. Given Pennsylvania's larger estimated undocumented population compared to Oklahoma, implementing a remittance fee could lead to a more significant revenue return for the Commonwealth while addressing economic concerns.

The bill, which is companion legislation to a proposal by Senators Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Chris Gebhard (R-48), is currently in the process of gathering co-sponsors to further its progress in the legislative process.