COLUMBIA -- The Senate has passed a resolution asking the state Department of Social Services to withhold services to illegal immigrants.

But spokespersons for Gov. Mark Sanford and DSS say the legislation is unnecessary because illegal immigrants aren't eligible for services.

"The governor doesn't believe that people should be rewarded for illegal behavior," Joel Sawyer, a spokesman for Sanford, said Tuesday. "But the resolution is unnecessary."

The resolution was filed by Sen. David Thomas, a Greenville County Republican, and Sen. Dick Elliott, a North Myrtle Beach Democrat, amid national debate about immigration law reform. The legislation asks Sanford to sign an executive order instructing DSS not to provide any services to illegal immigrants except where required by law.

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Thomas said the thousands of Hispanic residents who marched Monday in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston urging federal lawmakers not to make illegal immigration a felony haven't changed his mind about his legislation, which he said is aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from receiving food stamps and similar benefits.

"There is a concern among many, many Americans that illegals are in the United States," he said. "The idea that they can start using the system and find loopholes in the generosity of the system, that's very offensive."

Thomas said he has talked with leaders in the Hispanic community.

"They are not in favor of illegals coming and then essentially dragging the system down, loading their families onto the welfare system," he said. "That's outrageous."

Marilyn Matheus, a spokeswoman for DSS, said illegal immigrants are ineligible for such services. She said, however, that certain protective services for children and vulnerable adults are available to anyone.

"We're mandated by law to provide that to anyone in need," she said.