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Legislature considers new immigration bill

(2/19/2009) By Travis Klanecky - A bill combining 3 proposals to halt illegal immigration will be voted on in the Nebraska legislature. The bill was advanced Thursday by the legislature's Judiciary Committee.

The legislation originally only included Governor Heineman's proposal.

That requires state and local agencies to verify the legal status of people trying to collect public benefits - for example, food stamps.

The bill was amended to also require public employers and contractors to check their employees legal status once hired.

Originally, it covered all employees.

Another part of it now requires those seeking state tax breaks to prove their employees are legal.

The legislation was the center of this discussion here in Kearney Thursday. It is a luncheon hosted by the Kearney Chamber of Commerce's Diversity Committee.

Those against the bill said it burdens small businesses and could lead to discrimination. Others said the issue is not one that should be handled on a state level.

"We would like to see integration happen in our communities. People are feeling frustrated with the immigration system. But the point is that in order to fix that in a meaningful way, we need federal form," said Darcy Tromanhauser.

The Legislature could vote on the bill as early as next week. It takes 3 rounds of approval and a signature from the Governor before becoming law.

http://news.khastv.com