Thread: County Commission must verify NOW :Gwinnett Gazette

County Commission must verify NOW - 2008/10/29 08:59
What follows are my extended comments to the Gwinnett County Commission last night. I called on Chairman Bannister to immediately implement a policy requiring all applicants for a business license (or renewal) to show proof that the business had registered with the free E-Verify program to verify the work eligibility of its employees.

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Georgia has one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in the nation, according to recent studies. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, a majority of the state’s one million immigrants are here illegally. The number of immigrant households that rely on at least one major welfare program is nearly double that of native households, at 33%.

Illegal immigration costs cities, counties and the state government an estimated $1.6 Billion annually, according to a recent report. Georgia spends $1.6 billion a year to provide three basic services to illegal aliens and their dependents -- K-12 education, public health care, and incarceration of criminals. These costs amount to a $523-a-year burden for every Georgia household headed by a native-born American.

The Board knows well how much it can cost the taxpayers of Gwinnett. Earlier this year, it committed millions to the 287(g) program. You could ask the school system how much it spends annually to serve the children of illegal aliens; or ask the hospital how much it spends to provide free healthcare.

Public services to illegal immigrants constitutes a significant drain on public resources; and when I say “resources,â€

This is a well written and thought letter. It is complete in its argument and hits where it needs to, MONEY and COST to the county and the taxpayer. All counties will be hit hard with the tax revenues going down has property taxes go down due to the down turn in the housing values. This is a good one to copy and keep on hand for your local activism.