Thread: R.I. lawmakers revamp immigration proposals

R.I. lawmakers revamp immigration proposals
By Hilary Russ
Associated Press
Published: Saturday, January 10, 2009 1:16 AM EST
PROVIDENCE — The new legislative session promises to add fuel to the debate over illegal immigration that’s been raging in Rhode Island since Gov. Don Carcieri signed a sweeping crackdown 10 months ago.

Some lawmakers say more needs to be done to deal with illegal immigration and are pressing a revamped version of a bill that would require private companies to use the E-Verify federal database to check the legal status of new hires.

The bill cleared the House each of the last two years, but the sponsor, Rep. Jon Brien, D-Woonsocket, said he has reworked it in a way he hopes will be more palatable to the entire General Assembly.

He’s also hoping to capitalize on the fiscal crisis in the state, which faces a roughly $357 million deficit and where nearly one in 10 people are unemployed.

“This year, I’m not looking at this as an immigration issue. I’m looking at this as a jobs issue,â€

[quote]“This year, I’m not looking at this as an immigration issue. I’m looking at this as a jobs issue,â€

Here's Jon Brien's website if you want to contact him and thank him for pushing this common sense legislation:

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/brien/

Panel calls on Gov's
immigration order
Panel urges gov to clarify
immigration order

Last Edited: Tuesday, 13 Jan 2009, 7:14 AM EST
Created On: Tuesday, 13 Jan 2009, 7:14 AM EST

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - An advisory panel is calling on Gov. Don Carcieri to clarify his executive order cracking down on illegal immigration.

The panel, which was created by the governor, says the order in March has been widely misunderstood and created confusion among immigrants, both legal and illegal.

Panel members Monday discussed a report that they have prepared after several meetings with community members. The report recommends an analysis of whether the order has cost or saved the state money overall.

A Carcieri spokeswoman says it's too soon to know if the governor will follow the panel's recommendation.
http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news ... r_20090113