Thread: Florida Immigration Bill Defeated

April 18, 2007, 4:53PM

Fla. Illegal Immigration Bill Defeated


By DAVID ROYSE Associated Press Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Immigration problems are better handled by the federal government, said members of a state House committee Wednesday that voted down a proposal to punish businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

The idea of increasing penalties for those companies never had much of a chance in the House Environment and Natural Resources Council, where a number of members are in the agriculture business _ one of the main industries targeted by the bill. It was defeated 12-1.

Rep. Juan Zapata, the bill's sponsor but not a member of the committee, said he pushed the idea to raise a point he says has been overlooked in the immigration debate: Illegal immigrants get all the blame for being here, while businesses and farms that create the jobs that bring them here rarely face consequences.

Zapata, a Republican from Miami whose parents immigrated legally from Colombia, said he's tried to pass measures to help legal and illegal immigrants and their families for years _ and keeps running into the argument that illegal immigrants shouldn't be helped because they're breaking the law.

That's hypocritical, he argued, because many of those who oppose helping immigrants are at the same time employing them _ and thereby breaking federal law.

The immigrants, "they're just tired of being blamed for all the problems," Zapata said. "We're looking at the wrong people as the source of the problem."

He also argued that if businesses didn't provide jobs, illegal immigration would stop.

"They came here because there's opportunity," Zapata said. "Now who's providing this opportunity? Businesses. If you offer the jobs, they will come."

The bill would have required farm labor contractors, construction contractors, hotels and restaurants, and the wine, beer and liquor industries to prove that their employees are legally in the country before renewing any state license. It would have also fined those businesses $25,000 for each illegal immigrant employee. Farm owners could have also lost agricultural tax breaks for hiring them.

Several members of the committee said the measure wasn't practical or fair to employers, who often don't know some workers are undocumented because they use fake papers. They also said farmers, such as Rep. Rich Glorioso, don't have time to do lengthy background checks that could ferret out those whose documentation isn't valid.

Glorioso, R-Plant City, is a strawberry farmer. He said he hires about 50 people to help him bring in his crop, and it would take about a month to make sure the Social Security cards they show him aren't fake.

That won't work.

"If I can't put them to work tomorrow _ four weeks from now, that crop is gone," Glorioso said.

Rep. Paige Kreegel pointed out that the measure would also hurt the very people Zapata said he wanted to help

"The effect of your bill ... is to make their jobs evaporate," noted Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda.

Rep. Bob Allen, R-Merritt Island, was the lone vote in favor of approving the measure.

Several members of the panel said it's simply not Florida's job to try to deal with the problem of illegal immigrant workers _ it's a federal issue.

Zapata argued that Florida already gets involved: State law prevents illegal immigrants from getting driver's licenses. They can't get health benefits. Their children can't generally go to college because they can't get in-state tuition or any financial aid.

"If our policy is, we're going to apply immigration law to the people of the state of Florida, let's do it comprehensively," Zapata said. "Let's not pick on a certain group of people."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4727818.html
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businesses and farms that create the jobs that bring them here rarely face consequences.

You're preaching to the choir here, Juan.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Immigration problems are better handled by the federal government, said members of a state House committee Wednesday that voted down a proposal to punish businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

How Floridesque!!

Well, apparently these people in Tallahassee aren't asking themselves why AMERICAN FAMILIES ARE FLEEING FLORIDA AT A RATE NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN THE HISTORY OF THAT STATE??

Obviously, Florida no longer needs or wants the American family.
It won't be long until Florida no longer wants or needs an AMERICAN elected official either. These elected people are only setting themselves up to be voted out. How stupid can they get? In Florida....they can get pretty stupid!!

Well, adios and good riddance.

I am not surprised. They don't want to loose votes next election.

Florida is bad. Our family is considering leaving too. The crime is out of control, gangs are a huge problem, and the overall culture is becoming increasingly liberal. I can't take it anymore.

I'd like to move someplace nice and quiet and conservative. Anyone have any good suggestions? How about AL or SC ?

I guess Jeb doesn't think American flight is a problem in his new country.

Dixie

Dixie Jeb is gone and Charlie Crist is the new governor. The name has changed but that is about it.

Any decent folks had better get out soon they are leaving Florida and Calif by the droves, at least if you own a home you better get out while there is still a chance to get it sold.

Not to mention the tax burden to support these people!

What is funny is that the taxes went way up due to these people. The government won't tell you that though. Now they have a bill they are passing for tax relief so those of us who pay for those illegals get a break. Maybe they should open their eyes and realize why taxes went up so much. It would be a good start.