Romanoff discusses immigration issue

Posted: Feb 11, 2008 03:45 PM PST

Updated: Feb 11, 2008 04:00 PM PST


BY: CRYSTAL JENKINS



Issues of concern to citizens in Colorado and most of us here on the Western Slope were discussed today in the House of Representatives.

One of those is cracking down on immigration.

One proposal has gone to the Senate that will maximize the state patrol units that deal with immigration by doubling it.

The Colorado State Patrol immigration enforcement unit currently has 24 officers; this bill would make it 48.

Colorado Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff says while Colorado has probably passed more laws on the issue than any other state, state action is no substitute.

He says federal action is necessary in order to see improvements.

Romanoff says,"What we really need, in my view, is comprehensive, national immigration reform, since we haven't gotten it, we're struggling at a state level to make up for where the Feds have fallen short."

The bill has passed the Senate judiciary committee and is headed to the appropriations committee.

The price of the proposal is $4 million.

http://www.kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=7856301