Thread: House OKs surcharge on wire transfers from illegal immigrant

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/pol ... 870970.htm

Posted on Tue, Feb. 14, 2006



House OKs surcharge on wire transfers from illegal immigrants

GREG BLUESTEIN
Associated Press

ATLANTA - The House on Tuesday passed the first of a flurry of immigration bills, approving a proposal designed to tack a 5 percent surcharge on wire transfers from illegal immigrants.

The "Illegal Immigrant Fee Act" requires customers to show a pay stub, driver's license or other proof they are in the U.S. legally. Failure to do so would result in the surcharge.

It's the first of several attempts to toughen the state's immigration standards to reach a vote this legislative session. Across the Capitol, state Sen. Chip Rogers is drumming up support for a broader bill that would deny state-administered benefits to adults who cannot show they are legally in the United States.

Opponents from both sides of the aisle tried to delay Tuesday's vote, but Republican leaders seemed intent on passing the bill. House lawmakers approved, 106-60. It now moves to the Senate.

State Rep. Tom Rice, R-Peachtree Corners, said the bill seeks to offset the financial burden of the state's estimated 225,000 illegal immigrants.

"It's the idea of giving these folks, who are hard working, the opportunity to pay back the services they receive but don't pay for right now," said Rice.

Several Republicans warily questioned the intent and impact of the legislation.

State Rep. David Casas, a Lilburn Republican and one of three Hispanics in the Legislature, said the bill would be hard to enforce because few illegal immigrants would be willing to publicly identify themselves. Fellow Republican Austin Scott expressed concern that the proposal is not a long-term solution.

Democrats called for compassion for the migrant workers who help drive the state's economy.

"I can't go to bed at night saying, 'I will not do for the Hispanic community and the Mexicans what was done for the Italian community and the Irish and every other community looking for a better way of life," said state Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway. He added, "All I ask is that we live the code we tell people we live by."

House Majority Leader Jerry Keen of St. Simons sought on Monday to downplay the legislation's focus on illegal immigrants. He said the bill should be viewed as a new source of funding for hospitals to treat the poor and needy because it earmarks funds for indigent care.

A constitutional amendment, however, would be needed to dedicate the funds for indigent care. Without that amendment, Democrat Bob Holmes said, next session's legislative leaders could easily abandon their commitment.

Ultimately, GOP supporters argued that the legislation could help improve the state's security.

State Rep. John Lunsford, a McDonough Republican, pointed out that the bill won't punish students, migrant workers and others who are in Georgia legally.

"This directly pertains to drug dealers, to terrorists and people who practice human trafficking," said Lunsford. "We live in a very generous state, but there are limits to our generosity."

The House on Tuesday passed the first of a flurry of immigration bills, approving a proposal designed to tack a 5 percent surcharge on wire transfers from illegal immigrants.

A 100% surcharge would be more to my liking, but that might be hard to pass.

Still, I suppose Vicente will be squealing like a stuck pig over a measly 5% reduction in his take, so that should be fun to watch.

If they are here illegally, they will pay a surcharge.

Doesn't federal law require that if they are here illegally, they shall deported?

Originally Posted by Judy

If they are here illegally, they will pay a surcharge.

Doesn't federal law require that if they are here illegally, they shall deported?

That only applies if they're not caught.

Once they're apprehended, a new set of rules come into play, where we cover our eyes and count to a billion while they go out and hide.

leave it to the government to find a way to make money off of crime. I aplaud any move that punishes illegal aliens, but the politicians are always motivated by money.