Should drug tests be mandatory for welfare Research Paper

Should drug tests be mandatory for welfare - Research Paper Example In fact, most laws that govern the welfare do not fulfill what their supporters say, and sometimes they may be unconstitutional. The constitution prohibits the government from carrying out unnecessary and unreasonable searches. The constitution also stipulates that all people are innocent until proven guilty. On the contrary, passing such laws that require drug tests for welfare would means that all welfare applicants are guilty, and that they have to prove their innocence. Treating all welfare applicants like criminals, in order for them to qualify for any assistance, is neither ethical nor acceptable (Dilla 586). Is it a crime to be poor and being in need of assistance? It is high time that people came out in large number to protest against laws that make drug test a must for the welfare; such tests only serve to discriminate against the poor. The claim that many drug users goes to welfare to get money to support their illegal habits does not have solid evidence; it is a type of lo ng-standing stereotypes. Researchers have shown that there is no appreciable difference in the rate of illegal-drug use, between recipients of welfare and other people. Besides, the claim that drug testing help save tax dollars does not have any supporting facts. In fact, studies have shown that the costs involved in drug testing exceed any money saved. What really does the law intend to accomplish or fulfill? Drug users will never stop abusing drugs even if they are cut off from public assistance (Lawless & Fox 365). Drug testing for welfare applicants is a way of stigmatizing the needy.... Indeed, it may make some people to stop seeking for such welfare, which they really need for proper maintenance of their children. Why drug tests be made mandatory for welfare applicants, and yet there so many other government programs that do not require drug tests? Several people benefit from such programs without having to go through any drug tests. For instance, retired state workers receive pension, businesspersons get state contracts, and farmers receive crop subsidies, without undergoing any drug tests. If drug tests are to be made mandatory for welfare, then, all applicants of other government programs should undergo through various drugs test (Lawless et al 372). It is not fair at all to only include welfare applicants for drug testing, while excluding the other programs. Drug testing is unreasonable search, and there is no safety reason to be concerned about drug use by welfare applicants or recipients. The supporters of drug test for welfare applicants only target the most vulnerable or needy. Any states that support such tests should enforce better enforcement policies and stricter laws, which apply to the whole population, and not to only the most vulnerable people (Brezina 27). However, enforcement of such laws will be of no great help to the needy. This is because most laws are not about drug use; they aim at solving economical crises or problems. Additionally, may only deny marijuana users’ applicants and applicants on other drugs like meth, coke, and crack. This is because marijuana takes approximately a month to get out of an individual system. Therefore, the aim of such a law will not be met since drug users, with the exception of marijuana users, can