Thread: IN-Committee takes on immigration

Committee takes on immigration
By DEANNA MARTIN • The Associated Press • August 25, 2008


INDIANAPOLIS - State lawmakers charged with studying illegal immigration this summer are hoping to collect facts - not political grandstanding or heated rhetoric - during meetings next month.






The summer study committee on immigration issues has scheduled Statehouse meetings Sept. 9 and Sept. 16. The committee's co-chairmen - Republican Sen. Dennis Kruse of Auburn and Democratic Rep. Scott Pelath of Michigan City - said they are considering holding other meetings around the state.

Pelath said the first meeting will focus on the scope of illegal immigration in Indiana.

"We want to find out how many illegal aliens are in our state right now, where they live and what they are doing to earn a living," Pelath said in a news release this month.

The committee is made up of both House and Senate members, including Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, a Democrat from Munster who is the only Hispanic member of the House. Also on the panel is outspoken Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, who butted heads this year with several lawmakers, lobbyists and the business community as he pushed for a bill to crack down on companies hiring illegal workers.

Kruse said the study committee needs to understand how illegal immigration affects the state economy, law enforcement and families.

"I hope through accurate research and analysis we'll find an appropriate and bipartisan solution," Kruse said.

Lawmakers have struggled in the past to find common ground on immigration.

The House and Senate passed different versions of Delph's immigration bill earlier this year, although both versions would have created a three-tier punishment system for companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants after 2009.

The proposal spurred much political maneuvering, and the House and Senate could not strike a compromise before the session ended.

The issue was instead sent to a study committee. Such committees are often created to inform lawmakers about issues between legislative sessions. Study committees can lead to recommendations for future bills, and Delph has said he plans to propose another illegal immigration bill next year.

Some see the immigration study committee as a chance for lawmakers to step back from the emotional debate and take a more objective look at the matter.

But when it comes to the hot-button topic of illegal immigration, even fact finding can become a sensitive issue.

Delph said during the legislative session that illegal immigration is a drain on tax dollars. The head of the state Family and Social Services Administration estimated in January that Indiana taxpayers spend about $5 million a year on Medicaid health care for illegal aliens, with more money coming from the federal government.

But opponents of the bill said the impact of illegal immigration isn't all bad, because illegal workers fill jobs that others may not want. Several business organizations opposed Delph's bill, saying Indiana's economy would suffer if it passed, hurting both illegal workers and American citizens.

About 55,000 to 85,000 unauthorized immigrants live in Indiana, according to 2006 estimates from the PEW Hispanic Center.


http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... S/80825035

Delph said during the legislative session that illegal immigration is a drain on tax dollars.

The head of the state Family and Social Services Administration estimated in January that Indiana taxpayers spend about $5 million a year on Medicaid health care for illegal aliens, with more money coming from the federal government.

Oh, I thought they make America rich???
What happened to the math??

FEDS need to stop paying for anything happening about Illegals.
THEN states will comply . . . . when the people get out of the darn recliner!!!!

This is not rocket science...you are hired to protect the people of your state and their money.
Stop worrying about the impact on bussinesses and illegals and do your damn job...quite simple