Thread: GA: Groups to Fight Anti-Immigration Bill

Groups to Fight Anti-Immigration Bill

Updated: Friday, 15 Apr 2011, 5:05 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 15 Apr 2011, 4:36 AM EDT

By KAITLYN PRATT/myfoxatlanta

ATLANTA - In the final hours before the session expired, Georgia's legislature approved an aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration.

Opponents are now promising to push for the governor to veto the bill.

It came down to the wire - late thursday the state house gave final approval to an immigration bill sponsored by representative matt ramsey of peachtree city.

"We have stepped up and done what the citizens of Georgia have asked us to do - and address the social and economic consequences caused by our federal government's 30 year failure to secure our nation's borders," said Matt Ramsey, (R) Peachtree City.

Hours earlier, the state senate voted for the bill following behind the scenes negotiations.

The legislation requires businesses with at least 10 employees to confirm the immigration status of newly hired workers. The revised bill gives companies a 30 day grace period to correct violations.

Sponsors say a rise in illegal immigration is draining state services.

"We are the fastest growing state in illegal aliens coming in to the area. We can't just let that go," said Sen. Jack Murphy, (R) Cumming.

The bill also allows police to check the immigration status of certain criminal suspects.

Opponents worry that opens the door for racial profiling:

"That's something we will be fighting a lot. And of course, another issue is the loss of revenue that the state's going to have in terms of lawsuits," said Rep. Pedro Marin, (D) Duluth.

Emotion spilled over outside the capitol, where opponents gathered to protest the legislation. Immigration rights groups vowed to keep fighting.

"We cannot think it's now over," said one protester.

"The next step we're going to take - we're going to file litigation against this bill if Governor Deal signs it, and we're going to fight this issue out in federal courts," said immigration lawyer Charles Kuck.

The bill now heads to Governor Deal for his signature.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/lo ... 0415-am-sd

GEORGIA Passes Illegal Immigration Crackdown

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-234837.html