Tuesday, March 24, 2009 , 12:01 a.m.
Georgia: New bills target illegal immigrants
By: Perla Trevizo
(Contact)

Three years after legislators passed the Georgia Security and Immigration Act, considered to be among the toughest in the nation, there’s still a strong push for tough renforcement against illegal immigration in the state.

This year several bills were navigating the legislative system, including one requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Secretary of State Karen Handel backs the proposal, said spokesman Matt Carrothers. He said requiring proof of citizenship would prevent a repeat of November 2008, when 4,771 voters were flagged because of citizenship issues.

About 2,000 presented documents proving they were citizens. About 2,700 did not cast ballots.

“It streamlines the process,â€