FL:Solving the illegal immig problem from the bottom up

Solving the illegal immigration problem from the bottom up
A newly proposed bill attempts to create dialogue
Nate Kelly

Rep. Don Brown, R-DeFuniak Springs, wants law enforcement officials to find out about a person’s legal status when they are detained for specific offenses.

House Bill 73, if passed in its current form, would require law enforcement personnel to verify a person’s immigration status if charged with DUI or BUI. Currently there is no such requirement.

It would also require all public employers, contractors and subcontractors to participate in a specified federal program to verify legal status for all potential new employees.

A more controversial part of the bill would impose a penalty of up to one year imprisonment on any person who knowingly aids or transports an illegal alien.

Verification of legal status would also be required for those applying for public benefits.

Brown says the bill addresses the illegal immigration problem facing Florida and attempts to “preserve the sovereignty of Florida and rule of law.â€

A more controversial part of the bill would impose a penalty of up to one year imprisonment on any person who knowingly aids or transports an illegal alien.

There is not a jail big enough to hold them