http://www.thehawkeye.com/daily/stories/ln5_0703.html

Grassley opposes amnesty

By AIMEE TABOR

atabor@thehawkeye.com

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley says local legislation in Pennsylvania that cracks down on illegal immigrants shows some people don't want to tolerate the activity, but questioned the legality of the move.

Communities across the state are looking to impose their own illegal immigration laws after Congress hasn't moved on the issue.

In Hazleton, Pa., the city council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would make English the official language and also would punish businesses for hiring illegals and landlords for renting to them. Businesses found guilty would have their permits revoked and landlords would be fined $1,000.

Other municipalities in Pennsylvania have followed suit and have either adopted similar language or are considering it. In San Bernardino, Calif., a similar provision was supposed to come before voters, but it's unlikely it will make it on the ballot. A judge ruled there weren't enough signatures collected for it to appear.

Federal lawmakers are at a standstill on the issue. Both houses have approved legislation addressing the illegal immigration issue with the major difference being amnesty.

The Senate bill calls for amnesty, which Grassley, R–Iowa, said he opposes. In the 1980s, Grassley said he voted for amnesty when there were fewer illegal immigrants in the country. That move didn't seem to work because there are more illegal immigrants today, Grassley said.

During an interview last week, Grassley, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee that has addressed the immigration issue, said he understands the move by the local municipalities.

"I think people are clamoring that we need to do something, particularly the people who are against amnesty and against the illegal immigrants and don't want to be tolerant toward people being here illegally," Grassley said.

With illegal immigrants comprising 5 percent of the workforce and the unemployment rate low, Grassley acknowledged there obviously is a need for the workers. As for the city ordinance in Pennsylvania, Grassley questioned its legality.

"I wish I had a law degree and knew the law on this so I could find out if they could operate in this area," said Grassley, who famously points out that he is a farmer.

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D–Iowa, voted in favor of the Senate bill because it strengthens border enforcement, cracks down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and creates a temporary work program that puts illegal immigrants on the path to legalization.

"It is time for us to find a constructive, positive way to bring people out of the shadows and into the sunlight," Harkin said. "It is in our national security interest to do so."