Thread: Pennsylvania Lawmakers Address Illegal Immigration

POSTED 5:18 PM, MARCH 23, 2016, BY TTALACKA

Harrisburg, Pa. – State lawmakers revealed legislation to stop what they’re calling an “illegal alien invasion” in Pennsylvania. They’re pushing for laws that include requiring all commonwealth employers to use a web-based system called “E-Verify.” The system confirms if a person can legally work in the United States.

They also want to see an end to “sanctuary cities,” where officials protect illegal immigrants by not turning them over to federal officials. Philadelphia is on that list. Lawmakers say the bills would make Pennsylvanians safer.

“I understand many illegal aliens come to this great country to make a better life for themselves and their families,” said Philadelphia Republican Representative Martina White. “However, it should not come at the expense of our freedom as Americans. With every new illegal alien that comes into our state, we lose a bit more freedom. Freedom to feel safe in our workplace and businesses, and the freedom to travel without fear.”

The state representatives also say the laws would save taxpayers money and protect jobs.

http://fox43.com/2016/03/23/pennsylv...l-immigration/

March 25, 2016

Two local state legislators joined two colleagues in introducing three pieces of legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration throughout Pennsylvania.

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12, chairman of the House State Government Committee, is joined in the effort by Reps. Doyle Heffley, R-122, who represents most of Carbon County; Jerry Knowles, R-124, Tamaqua, and Martina White, R-170, Philadelphia.

Metcalfe introduced a bill modeled after the Legal Arizona Workers Act that was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. It would require all employers and government entities in the state to enroll in the federal government’s free E-Verify program to confirm the validity of Social Security numbers for prospective employees.

Under House Bill 1894, failure to comply would result in the immediate suspension of all state licenses, permits, registrations or certificates held by any private business caught employing illegal aliens.

White’s legislation is in response to Mayor Jim Kenney recently declaring Philadelphia a “sanctuary city,” meaning that the city will not turn over illegal aliens to federal officials. House Bill 1885 would establish criminal and economic sanctions against any illegal alien sanctuary city within Pennsylvania.

The bill also would require municipal law enforcement officers who have reasonable cause to believe that someone being arrested is in the United States illegally to immediately report the individual to the appropriate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.

“I applaud Representative White for introducing this important legislation,” said Knowles. “This legislation is about public safety, and it’s long overdue. Even if this bill saves one life, isn’t it worth it?”

Heffley sponsored a bill requiring any state agency that administers public benefits to verify that those benefits are being paid only to people who are eligible through the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“House Bill 237 would ensure that Pennsylvania is compliant with federal law when it comes to public benefits,” said Heffley. “By making sure that state and local benefits are only paid to those who are legal residents of Pennsylvania, we are assuring that those Pennsylvanians most in need of public assistance are able to receive it.”

http://standardspeaker.com/news/bill...tion-1.2022973