Article Launched: 03/05/2006 1:00 AM MST

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3570149

Beauprez targets borders
Backs $4 million computer system to deny services to illegal immigrants

By Steven K. Paulson
The Associated Press

Lakewood - Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez said Friday he is willing to spend $4 million on a computer system that would allow the state to block services to illegal immigrants, even if it would not be cost effective.

"I don't know that we have a choice. The other option is to close our eyes and pretend there is not a problem," he told a forum of small-business owners.

After demonstrating a device built by a Denver company that can scan identification cards and compare the information with fingerprints on file, the two-term congressman said the state has to show it is serious about stopping illegal immigration.

Beauprez said devices like the one developed in Colorado to check identity cards could allow the state to block services to illegal immigrants. A initiative to bar such services has been proposed for the November ballot.

House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, said a similar measure died in the legislature last year after lawmakers learned it would cost about $4 million to build a computer system to determine if a green card is needed, while it would save about $460,000 the first year.

According to the company, BSI2000, the Verus2000, which is about the size of a large toaster, provides "verification of green cards in a table top system that is affordable and simple to use."

It costs about $1,000 per unit, and the identification cards are about $3 each.

Beauprez said that's cheap compared with the cost of losing control of the nation's security.

Beauprez said he also supports other legislation to block illegal immigrants, including a ban on sanctuary cities that refuse to arrest illegal immigrants.

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"If you don't enforce that law, you basically put up a sign that says if you get here, you're free," Beauprez told several dozen businessmen.

Dick Leggitt, spokesman for Marc Holtzman, Beauprez's Republican primary opponent, said Beauprez has opposed tougher immigration laws by Congress.

" 'Both-ways Bob' has come to this issue as usual from two directions. He voted three times in Congress not to tighten our immigration laws. Now that he's running for governor, he's trying to cast himself as the champion of anti-immigration policies.

"Marc Holtzman's position is that we need to do whatever is necessary to stem the tide of illegal immigration," Leggitt said.

Al Apuzzo, a retired federal employee who attended the forum, said he was disappointed by the lack of strategies being offered in the immigration debate. He said it's fine to have ideas, but he's heard no concrete proposals to deal with the problem, like tax incentives for businesses that could be forced to comply with tougher laws and providing financial assistance to communities that will have to enforce them.

"I didn't hear specific strategies," he said.