By Bob Katzen 

Senate 11-27, rejected an amendment prohibiting potential tenants who cannot provide a social security number from being placed in a public housing unit prior to any applicant who can do so. 

  Amendment supporters said this would ensure that illegal immigrants who are breaking the law are not given priority over citizens and others who abide by the nation’s laws. They argued it is outrageous that illegal immigrants should be considered for scarce public housing units prior to legal residents of the community.

  Amendment opponents said the number of illegal immigrants in public housing is minimal. They argued it would be unfair and inhumane to deny housing to these immigrants.