Thread: VA: Panel cracks down on illegal immigrants

Panel cracks down on illegal immigrants

Monday, January 31, 2011
Capital News Service
RICHMOND, VA

On party-line votes in a packed hearing room, a House subcommittee endorsed a legislative package Friday that Republicans said will curb illegal immigration.

Opponents argued that it may unfairly punish undocumented residents.

The immigration subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee approved bills to make Virginia’s public colleges and universities spell out their policies against enrolling illegal immigrants; have the Virginia State Police enforce federal immigration laws; require public contractors to verify that their employees are legal U.S. residents; and check the immigration status of everyone arrested in Virginia.

The bills were endorsed on 4-2 votes, with Republicans voting yes and Democrats no.

Nearly every seat in the 204-person-capacity room was taken, and a Capitol Police officer stood watchfully over the proceedings, as the subcommittee considered 17 immigration-related bills Friday.

Thirteen of the proposals were approved (or were folded into related bills and then approved); they now will be considered by the full House Courts of Justice Committee.

Del. Jackson Miller (R-Manassas) reflected the tenor of the Republican majority on the subcommittee in arguing for the employment verification requirement.

“The issue is being framed as one of meanness,â€

"undocumented citizens"

"“This bill is an attempt to stunt the academic growth of undocumented citizens,â€

[quote="misterbill"]"undocumented citizens"

"“This bill is an attempt to stunt the academic growth of undocumented citizens,â€