Thread: Lawmakers Eschew Sweeping Immmigration Reforms

Lawmakers eschew sweeping immigration reforms for small pieces of legislation
BY BRIAN MURPHY - bmurphy@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2010 Idaho Statesman
Published: 03/09/10

Illegal immigration is one of the most popular topics in the Legislature, with multiple bills introduced in each of the last four years.

But lawmakers have shown they're more comfortable with small, limited bills than with broad reforms, especially ones that target employers.

"My experience tells me if we focus on a narrow aspect of this we can have some success," said Sen. John McGee, R-Caldwell.

Senate Bill 1271, cosponsored by McGee and three other Canyon County senators, would stiffen penalties for falsification of documents for employment purposes. It is the last of three immigration bills left standing this session.

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted 7-2 on Monday not to advance a comprehensive immigration reform bill by Sen. Mike Jorgensen, R-Hayden Lake. Senate Bill 1303 would have compelled all businesses to use an electronic verification system when hiring and denied public benefits to undocumented immigrants.

The bill included a proposal for English-only drivers' license tests and penalties for trafficking or harboring undocumented immigrants. The committee listened to arguments for more than three hours, then rejected the bill without debate.

Jorgensen contends illegal immigrants cost the state $200 million per year through education, corrections, health care and other benefits. "We have a duty and a right to pursue every right we have as a state to take action to protect Idaho when the federal government fails to do so," Jorgensen said.

But businesses have succeeded in arguing against bills they say target businesses excessively. Jorgenson's bill drew opposition from the Idaho Business Coalition for Immigration Reform, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, the Idaho Dairymen's Association and the Milk Producers of Idaho.

Earlier this session, a House committee refused to pass House Bill 497, which would have imposed sanctions on businesses for knowingly hiring undocumented workers.

Narrower, business-friendlier bills have fared better. In 2007, lawmakers passed a bill requiring all adults to provide proof they are legally present in the country before receiving certain public benefits.

Senate Bill 1271 would give county prosecutors the authority to go after employers who knowingly accept fake identification from employees. While it still targets employers, they've had a say in its drafting, said Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa. It is expected to get a hearing late this week or next week in the State Affairs Committee.

Brian Murphy: 377-6444. The Associated Press contributed.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/03/0 ... ss-is.html

But businesses have succeeded in arguing against bills they say target businesses excessively. Jorgenson's bill drew opposition from the Idaho Business Coalition for Immigration Reform, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, the Idaho Dairymen's Association and the Milk Producers of Idaho.

This is who they listened to instead of the majority of the people who wanted this bill. I can tell you that the people of Idaho are fuming about this and we even have people from the 912 Project vowing to do all they can to throw these bums out!

As for McGee's bill, it's a farce and not worth the paper it's written on.

I'm so sorry Jorgenson's really good bill was defeated, tinybob! I know it's discouraging. Mandating E-Verify failed to make it out of committee in Colorado, too; however, they're going to try to force a a state-wide referendum on it there.