It was edifying to see the LA Times editorial Heather linked to opposing taxpayer-funded coverage for illegal aliens. But the broader issue is the effect immigration overall has on the health-insurance issue — fully one-third of all uninsured people are either immigrants (legal and illegal) or the under-18 children of immigrants. As it happens, we’re sponsoring a panel discussion in D.C. on Wednesday on this very issue, featuring Robert Rector, Welfare Czar at the Heritage Foundation; Jim Edwards, co-author of The Congressional Politics of Immigration Reform; and my Center for Immigration Studies colleague Steve Camarota. (There will be a transcript and video posted shortly after the event.)

I think the citizen reaction at the health-care town halls also makes amnesty even less likely than before. People have specifically, and angrily, been bringing up the issue of coverage for illegal aliens, making clear to squishy congressmen that they tempt yet another bout of Pissed-Off Constituent Syndrome if they take on amnesty. When Chuck Schumer approaches, say, Arlen Specter about signing on to an amnesty bill this fall, I can only imagine the tepid reception he’ll receive.