Critics say immigration reform will run up welfare costs

A Republican senator warned Tuesday that a bipartisan immigration-reform proposal now under consideration would allow illegal immigrants to take advantage of government welfare benefits much sooner than the 13-year time frame outlined in the legislation.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said loopholes in the legislation would permit those who came to the U.S. illegally to collect cash assistance, food stamps and health care benefits long before they earn a green card and a pathway to citizenship.