Immigration


9/4/2007
Isn't immigration strictly a federal issue? Not anymore, judging from the 170 immigration-related laws passed by states this year (double the number in 2006) and the legislation in the works for the 2008 Kansas Legislature.

Kansans are fed up, the thinking goes, and the state budget is creaking under the costs of the undocumented population to schools, social services, health care and the justice system.

Kansans should be wary of a Statehouse version of the nasty national debate over illegal immigrants _ one hitting all the closer to those living and working and learning in our communities.

The legal and jurisdictional issues also can be complex, as in the new Kansas Court of Appeals ruling that being in the country after having entered it illegally is not necessarily a crime.

In addition to cracking down on private employers, the legislation might penalize state employees who allow undocumented immigrants to apply for and receive benefits, and punish illegal residents who try to vote. Lawmakers also might act against those who "harbor" illegals -- a measure targeting landlords that is sure to draw opposition from Catholic groups.

An election year won't create ideal conditions for reasoned debate on such an emotional issue. And unfortunately, anything state lawmakers do will only affect the margins of a growing crisis that still demands comprehensive reform at the federal level.

Editorial by the Wichita Eagle

http://www.hdnews.net/Story/Edit1090407