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Panel OKs bill on seizing illegal immigrants' property
Thursday, March 02, 2006
KELLI HEWETT TAYLOR
News staff writer

A bill allowing law enforcement officers to seize the personal property of illegal immigrants cleared its first hurdle Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee.

The measure could go before the full House for a vote as early as next week.

"It was a little easier than I thought," said state Rep. Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, who is sponsoring the bill and several others aimed at illegal immigration. "I think these bills will get the support. It appears now as though the mood is, `We have to do something.'"

Judiciary Committee member Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham, said she voted in favor of Wednesday's measure, despite concerns that Hispanics might be unfairly targeted.

"I think there will be some amendments on the floor," she said. "I wanted to let it have its day in court."

Isabel Rubio of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama said immigration is a federal issue, not a state one. She believes Congress, not states, needs to address immigration through comprehensive reform.

"As long as people hire immigrants to do work, immigrants will come," she said. "Do you think taking someone's bed or their car is going to stop them? People risk their lives to come to this country."

Two proposals penalizing employers who hire illegal immigrants are still awaiting their first committee discussions.

Rubio said she also is concerned about enforcement of the proposed law, and details of who would seize the property.

Currently, only federal immigration agents and some state troopers with special training are authorized to handle immigration-related cases.

Hammon wants to see more local law-enforcement officers deputized to address illegal immigration.

A second bill from Hammon set to be discussed Wednesday in the Judiciary Committee was postponed until next week. The bill would require proof of citizenship or legal residence to obtain nonemergency government services and benefits.

Hammon said he is meeting today with representatives of the Department of Human Resources and Medicaid to work out potential conflicts with new federal laws.

E-mail: ktaylor@bhamnews.com