Thread: ALIPAC: California bill would ease professional licensing rules for immigrants

California bill would ease professional licensing rules for immigrants State Sen. Ricardo Lara said his proposal is simply an extension of other measures enacted in recent years that provide immigrants in the country illegally with driver's licenses, lower college tuition and access to public financial aid and private funds held by the state universities. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)




California leads the U.S. in efforts to integrate immigrants living here illegally into mainstream society



California's workforce includes 1.85 million people here illegally



The immigrant licensing bill has prompted an outcry of opposition





Denisse Rojas earned a biology degree from UC Berkeley and has set her sights on medical school. But one big obstacle stands in her way.


To practice medicine in California, doctors must obtain a license from the state, and applicants are required to provide a Social Security number as proof of identity.


Rojas, 25, does not have such a number. She is in the United States illegally, having been smuggled into the country from Mexico by her parents when she was 6 months old.


But a group of legislators wants to help her — to do for doctors, dentists, nurses, barbers, security guards and many others what they did last year for attorneys: grant those in the country illegally permission to practice their occupations.

This son of an illegal immigrant, Ricardo Lara is a key figure in the push for immigrant rights bills in the California Legislature.





The San Francisco resident said she was able to receive financial aid from the state under California's Dream Act for her last semester of college, so it follows that the state should allow her to use her degree.


"We believe that by removing the barrier that we face in obtaining professional licensing, we will be able to reach our full potential," Rojas told lawmakers at a recent legislative hearing.


California leads the nation in efforts to integrate immigrants living here illegally into mainstream society, providing them with driver's licenses, college scholarships and protection from deportation for minor crimes. The new legislation could go much further in affecting the lives of those in the shadows, supporters say, because it targets work and would afford them upward mobility. The state's workforce includes 1.85 million people in the country illegally, according to an estimate by the Public Policy Institute of California.


The proposal, predictably, has divided Republican lawmakers in California and sparked an outcry of opposition from national conservative groups that want tougher enforcement of existing laws against illegal immigration.


"It's insane," said William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee. "By granting licenses to illegal immigrants you both aid and abet illegal immigration, which is a violation of federal law, and you are sending a message to the rest of planet Earth that says, 'Come on!'"

It's insane. By granting licenses to illegal immigrants you both aid and abet illegal immigration ... and you are sending a message to the rest of planet Earth that says 'Come on!' - William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee

A bill by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) would ease the licensing process for psychologists and pharmacists, in addition to other healthcare professionals, and for about two dozen other occupations including real estate agents and security guards. The measure passed the state Senate on Thursday.
SB 1159 would allow about 40 state boards to accept a federal taxpayer identification number as proof of identification in lieu of a Social Security number.


Lara, whose parents were at one time in the country illegally, said his proposal is simply an extension of other measures enacted in recent years that provide such immigrants with driver's licenses, lower college tuition and access to public financial aid and private funds held by the state universities.


cComments

• @Jacta alia est Then send her back to Mexico, after she pays for her own education, because they need all the Doctors they can get...
  gaiapj
  at 9:16 AM May 12, 2014

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His measure would ensure that "more Californians have an effective means of economic mobility and self-sufficiency," Lara said.


A similar argument was made last year, when a divided Legislature approved a bill, later signed by Brown, that allowed any immigrant to practice law if certified by the State Bar. Fifteen Republican Assembly members either voted against the bill or abstained.


Introduced in an election year when Latino voters are expected to play a significant role at the polls, the bill is a thorny issue for the GOP, which traditionally has called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.


Lara's bill passed with support from seven Republicans. Five GOP members abstained.
Sen. Ricardo Lara said his measure would ensure that "more Californians have an effective means of economic mobility and self-sufficiency." SB 1159 passed with seven Republican votes. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)





A spokesman for the Republican caucus said there was concern about the cost of such a change.
Tax authorities would "not always be able to correctly identify licensees to ensure proper collection of taxes associated with the licensee's practice of profession," said spokesman Peter DeMarco.
Outside of the Legislature, conservative activists are keeping the pressure on Republicans to oppose any easing of existing laws.


"California is doing everything in its power to blur any distinction between those who are legally present and those who are not," said Ira Mehlman, spokesman for the Federation of American Immigration Reform, a Washington-based group that champions enforcement of current laws.
His group is a nonprofit prevented from weighing in on political campaigns. But Mehlman said the group sends its 250,000 members alerts on bills of concern and plans one on Lara's measure.

Gheen said his PAC, with 50,000 members, endorses candidates who share the organization's views on immigration.


Rojas, a double major with degrees in integrative biology and sociology, hopes the politicians listen to her and the 250 other members of a group called Pre-Health Dreamers, made up of immigrants residing in the country illegally who want to work in the healthcare industry.


"I am going to continue pursuing my dreams," said Rojas, whose family now lives in Canada. "If it comes to a point where I can't practice medicine in the United States … I will practice outside of the country if I have to."




http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-i...512-story.html

These types of things must receive voters immediate attention. NOW! If these alien bleeding hearts keep pushing this reduced tuition for aliens eventualy all will lose it, including Americans. When the costs become exorbitant the back lash will demand all pay a fair share. Just one example of what is probably coming.

It looks like most of the comments beneath this LA Times article agree with our positions in opposition....

• tom88cat
• Rank 237

This article title conveniently neglects to mention "Illegal" immigrants. When I see "Immigrants," I assume "Legal" immigrants. There is a BIG difference between "Illegal" and "Legal." I guess in this world, there are some that would love it if we just opened the border and let everyone in. Bad journalism.

• 42 minutes ago
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• anoncalusa
• Rank 25

Lara time should be audited. How much time and how much illegal immigrant pandering bills??

• 49 minutes ago
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• Awaiting_Moderation
• Rank 140

@anoncalusa - Deported would be better.

• 23 minutes ago
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• rtamtc
• Rank 108

Sen. Lara's main goal is to legalize all illegal immigrants. All of his major bills have been related to illegal immigration. I opposed granting licenses to illegal immigrants because I knew that it would be a slippery slope. People like Lara then say, "Well, they can drive now. Why not let them work? Why not let them vote? Why not give them all the rights of American citizens?"

It's that old saying: once a camel puts its nose in the tent, nothing will stop the whole camel from... » more

• 56 minutes ago
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• Hb Guy
• Rank 1213

This is an outrage. It clearly shows the blatant racism of the latino population and their legislators. The moron Democrats approve of this to pander for the latino vote. California has reduced itself to a "mexico" and that is a very ugly picture. The insidious invasion goes on with the tacit approval of Jerry Brown and his Sacramento ilk.

• 1 hour ago
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• borkin007
• Rank 233

I don't know where you came from. You are not a legal citizen. You can operate on me? We have reached the point of insanity in this state.

• 1 hour ago
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• Luis Alvarado
• Rank 1901

Wake up people!!!! This is a Campaign strategy to get Conservatives to look like racist and then Latinos to come out and vote. Brown would never sign this bill.

• 2 hours ago
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• johnl0
• Rank 189

Add my name to the list of astonished citizens watching the Democrats open the State to illegals.

• 2 hours ago
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• thosecrazyliberals.com
• Rank 230

"California is doing everything in its power to blur any distinction between those who are legally present and those who are not.."

As is the L.A. Times (as evidenced by this articles title and use of the word "immigrant"), and other liberal media publications.

It's quite frustrating to witness such a blatant violation and bias in the media.

• 2 hours ago
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• Imissmydog
• Rank 309

Someone tell me what is the benefit of being a citizen in California anymore?
Anyone? Anyone?

• 2 hours ago
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• NOTATE REDMOND
• Rank 30

"The San Francisco resident said she was able to receive financial aid from the state under California's Dream Act for her last semester of college, so it follows that the state should allow her to use her degree."

The illegals ought to get legal before they can use any appurtenances gathered while illegal. They must be able to be taxed like citizens including SS and Medicare as well as Federal and State income taxes. Any other approach is a sham. California's legislature is aiding and... » more

• 2 hours ago
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• bwillis
• Rank 22336

@NOTATE REDMOND Your points are well stated and make sense. To go through life and not get taxed and contribute to society like the rest of us, you get a huge advantage. It sickens me that a person can come here from another country, nothing is checked out, they can get a home or business loan, set up shop and then look down on the rest of us as if we are lazy. That is a huge advantage. Now you can become a doctor or lawyer and not even have to pay a dime for the years prior? At least pay... » more

• 2 hours ago
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• nijode
• Rank 320

Otherwise known as the "Canadian Full Employment Act".

• 2 hours ago
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• Tigerized
• Rank 0

I was born in East Los Angeles in 1953. Now, some 60 years later, I've finally had enough and am making my exit plans to leave this formerly Golden State. Illegal immigration has taken a massive toll on this state, and I've had enough of identity politics and activist politicians who refuse to recognize our laws that are designed to protect everybody. California now has roughly 12% of the nation's population and 30% of the welfare caseload. What happens when the business owners and taxpayers all... » more

• 2 hours ago
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• Tigerized
• Rank 0

@woutsin How about making a cogent response rather than just posting links to make a statement for you? You can find anything you want on the web to bolster an opinion, no matter how outrageous.

• 49 minutes ago
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• Tigerized
• Rank 0

@Flying Dutchman It used to be that immigrants had to undergo health screening and prove that they had a sponsor. My grandparents on my mother's side underwent this at Ellis Island, when becoming an American was something people aspired to. Now you can jump a fence, never assimilate, and have all sorts of taxpayer funded programs to assist you.

I'm just moving over to Nevada, where conservatives are still welcome. Even if they're native Californians.

• 45 minutes ago
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• San Diego
• Rank 481

I must have missed something. Is there a shortage of qualified Californians applying to medical and nursing schools? Where is this happening? In our area, there's a wait list of 18-24 mos years for nursing programs.

• 2 hours ago
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• whcarls
• Rank 909

@San Diego Some people are more equal than others! George Orwell, "Animal Farm".

• 2 hours ago
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• woutsin
• Rank 3052

The Republican party of Lincoln just got a nugget for their June 3 primary election. Can this be a god- sent gift for the Republican Party or the Democratic Party that is the question?

"I am a descendant of Jim Bowie, who died at the Alamo," In March 2006 Donnelly, then a leader in the Minuteman border-patrol group, said at a rally in Temecula that year. "It is rumored that he took a dozen Mexican soldiers to their deaths before they finally killed him. How many of you will rise up and take... » more

• 3 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@woutsin Jim Bowie and the immigrants that Mexico gave Citizenship, Rebelled against the Legitimate Government of Mexico on got what they deserved...

• 2 hours ago
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• alex009
• Rank 172

Living in the Shadows, Really? My God they have as many if not more rights than Citizens of this Country. They have taken over this State and it hasn't cost them a Dime. Tax payers have funded their daily lives.

• 3 hours ago
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• johnl0
• Rank 189

@alex009: Indeed, under the proposed DMV guidelines, the documentation requirements for a citizen is more rigorous than for an illegal to get a drivers license.

• 2 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

Before anything is done for Illegal Emigrants, all American citizens nee to be taken care of first. Replace any politician who is not for American Citizens First.

• 3 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@gaiapj Need...

• 3 hours ago
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• louweegie272
• Rank 457

More 1%, Chamber of Commerce propaganda from the Times. American workers need to fight or conditions here will continue to decline like they have since Reagan granted the first amnesty. Don't be fooled, this is not about race or political parties.

Numbersusa.com

• 3 hours ago
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• sandynye123
• Rank 15139

What is wrong with applying for citizenship and get in line?

• 3 hours ago
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• Flying Dutchman
• Rank 7

@sandynye123, and actually follow the law?

• 2 hours ago
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• fanspeed1
• Rank 1752

ok what we all should do is follow the pols who vote for this to the grocery store and when they are in line cut in front of them so they see how it feels. I played by the rules why can't these people?

• 3 hours ago
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• Ceptfer
• Rank 55

Lots of talk about business people that would profit from a Path to Citizenship for their employees BUT once that happens they would have to raise wages. The REAL people that stand to profit are those that want to keep things as they are so they can keep taking advantage of their employees and pit them against Americans. The profit from private jails, they profit from hi tech applications at the border, and they profit from employees that have few rights. The people that are supporting those... » more

• 3 hours ago
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• scogior024
• Rank 0

Ricardo Lara should be thrown in jail.

This is why I'm not longer a Democrat. Sorry, Hillary, won't be voting for you.

• 3 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@scogior024 What does a biased State senator have to do with a Presidential candidate hopeful?

• 43 minutes ago
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• armigerous
• Rank 17497

I guess she will just have to do what Obama did...get a fake SS#

• 3 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@armigerous When a woman who is a US citizen has a child, that child is automatically a US Citizen. Just so you know...
There needs to be Federal Legislation stating: Only way A child born in the United States becomes a United States Citizen is by having a mother that is a US Citizen by birth or naturalization.

• 2 hours ago
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• CityLATerr
• Rank 553

1.85 million illegals in the workforce in California? We have 2 million people out of work in this state. We need to declare a state of emergency and ICE needs to send about 20 or 30 thousand agents to this state to find these people and arrest them and deport them. Then federal prosecutors need to find and arrest the business owners who employ these people and seize their businesses and throw the owners in jail. Long federal prison sentences are needed for employers who hire these people.

• 4 hours ago
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• louweegie272
• Rank 457

@CityLATerr

Makes sense to me.

• 3 hours ago
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• Granddad1
• Rank 119

@CityLATerr Under a Democratic Administration in DC. This is the life blood of the Democrats.

• 3 hours ago
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• 11December
• Rank 2280

... the California Nurses Association (union) reads this and collectively says "Wa..wa..wait a second! We give the Democratic Party millions in funds each year to buy your votes and we get this? Competition for our jobs? What is the number for the Republican Party?" And the cycle of buying votes goes on.

• 4 hours ago
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• Ronn Martin
• Rank 1702

@11December Yes the cycle does go no but iot is less here in CA since the GOP is not in control!

• 4 hours ago
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• Jacta alia est
• Rank 490

Let that young woman get a med license! Conservatives are just crazy. We need all the doctors we can get.

• 4 hours ago
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• louweegie272
• Rank 457

@Jacta alia est

Republican Ronald Reagan granted the last amnesty, all that did was lower wages for the working class and weaken labor unions.

• 3 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@Jacta alia est Then send her back to Mexico, after she pays for her own education, because they need all the Doctors they can get...

• 2 hours ago
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• No one is going to Jim Jones me.
• Rank 196

This is the way it works, find someone who came here at age 6 by her parents and change the rules for all. Why not just have open borders?

• 4 hours ago
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• Ronn Martin
• Rank 1702

@No one is going to Jim Jones me. Well that is the true goal of the Neoconservative since that would mean that they would get all sorts of that Cheap labor they love!

• 4 hours ago
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• jumped2
• Rank 16

@Ronn Martin, It's the Progressive Democrats who are ignoring Laws.

• 3 hours ago
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• 29PalmsSailor
• Rank 409

The government is going to have to do something to fill the void of healthcare professionals created because of Obamacare.

• 5 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@29PalmsSailor Void?

• 3 hours ago
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• anoncalusa
• Rank 25

@29PalmsSailor
They will still have long lines and people will perish before they get healthcare.. but they have insurance...

• 48 minutes ago
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• moxnix
• Rank 190

Is the new legislation being written because it is the right thing to do, or is it because the political parties are in deep competition for the Latino vote? The real loser here is the native born American or the legal immigrant.

• 5 hours ago
• 11 Likes

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• Ellen
• Rank 404

So when will American citizens be the focus of our legislature's attention? After all, we pay their salaries. I'm a Democrat but Lara should tread lightly here as Republicans could be swept back in on these issues. We don't want to live in Mexico or El Salvador.

• 5 hours ago
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• Ronn Martin
• Rank 1702

@Ellen You are correct we don't and that is why the GOP will not be swept in her in CA, we see what they have done to AZ and the south in creating 3rd world conditions

• 4 hours ago
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• hilo de Pancho Villa
• Rank 643

Do you want a doctor who has no respect for American laws or America? I don't.

• 5 hours ago
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• gaiapj
• Rank 24

@Jacta alia est And that makes it right?

• 3 hours ago
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• anoncalusa
• Rank 25

@Jacta alia est just wait until they operate on you and something goes wrong.. They vanish and leave the country and there is no insurance to cover your further bills.

Added to Homepage:
http://www.alipac.us/content.php?r=2...for-immigrants