Thread: Conservative activists propose initiative on illegal immigra

The latest on California politics and government
October 18, 2011
Conservative activists propose initiative on illegal immigration
Conservative activists have submitted an initiative proposal targeting illegal immigration by imposing limits on financial aid and Medi-Cal benefits while requiring California law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials.

State Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is responsible for preparing ballot language, received the proposal Monday from former state GOP chairman Tirso Del Junco, San Diego Republican Ted Hilton and Concord Republican Bill Siler. Proponents are calling it the "California Taxpayer Protection Act of 2012."

Hilton and Siler pursued a similar measure in 2009 but failed to gather enough signatures.

The proposal would prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving public financial aid in California, a hot-button topic after Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation this month allowing them to qualify for tuition help in certain circumstances. The initiative also would block driver's licenses -- which California does not issue currently to undocumented immigrants -- and require fingerprinting for Medi-Cal pregnancy services, with fingerprint reports relayed to the federal Department of Homeland Security.

It would also require that law enforcement officials transfer people they arrest to federal custody if those individuals have an "immigration detainer."

http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlat ... qus_thread
The measure can be seen here.

http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initia ... protection).pdf

California Conservatives Propose Anti-Illegal Immigration Ballot Initiative

Ryan Faughnder | October 19, 2011
Senior News Editor


Following the passage of the California Dream Act, anti-illegal immigration Republicans are making moves to undercut the Dream Act and put further restrictions on benefits available to people living in California illegally.

Former state GOP Chairman Tirso Del Junco and fellow Republican Bill Siler have proposed a law that would limit financial aid and Medi-Cal benefits available to undocumented people in the state.

This comes after California Governor Jerry Brown last week signed the second part of the California Dream Act, which allows undocumented immigrants living in California to apply for state financial aid.

"Not withstanding any other law, no person without lawful immigration status shall be eligible for any state-funded grant, scholarship, fee waiver, reimbursement, or student financial aid program for educational services," reads the proposal received by state Attorney General Kamala Harris Monday.

Some other provisions included in the proposal:
Police officers who arrest any illegal immigrant would be required to verify whether an "immigration detainer" has been issued. If one has, the officer must turn over the arrested person to federal authorities.
Illegal immigrants would be prohibited from getting a driver's licence, which is already part of California law.

Proponents of the Dream Act argue that the law is "only fair" to undocumented students, many of whom have lived in the state for years and did not chose to come to the state illegally.

Supporters say that increasing California's educated workforce will strengthen the state's economy.

State Assembly Member Tim Donnelly had already filed a ballot referendum to repeal the law, saying that it was "fundamentally unfair" to legal Californians.

www.neontommy.com