Legislature to look at Illegal immigration issues again
Posted on 25 January 2009

By John Lyon
Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — With one bill already filed and more on the way, illegal immigration issues are on the horizon again for state legislators.

Rep. Bill Sample, R-Hot Springs, has filed House Bill 1093, which would enact sweeping changes aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration, including making it a felony in Arkansas to provide transportation or shelter to anyone who is in the country illegally.

Meanwhile, Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, has said she may file legislation to offer in-state college tuition rates to children of undocumented immigrants who graduate from high school in Arkansas. A similar bill filed by Elliott in 2005 was defeated in the Senate after passing in the House.

Rep. Jim Nickels, D-Sherwood, said Friday he expects to file a bill on illegal immigration this week. He declined to reveal details but said his bill would not include the criminal sanctions that Sample has proposed for people who transport or shelter illegal immigrants.

“I think that’s a little bit overboard,â€