Gov. Patrick Skeptical Of Immigration Plan

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is expressing skepticism about a tough Senate-approved crackdown on illegal immigrants, questioning if the state could afford to pay for the new measures.

Patrick said he hadn’t read the amendment to the Senate version of the state budget, but said if it simply reaffirms steps the state is already taking, he’s not sure it adds anything to the debate.

The governor declined to offer an opinion on portions of the amendment that go far beyond current law, including a hotline to allow residents to report suspected illegal immigrant workers.

Patrick said state resources are already strapped without the responsibility of enforcing federal immigration law.

The bill is intended to clamp down on illegal immigrants’ ability to obtain a range of state services from Medicaid to public housing.