Thread: TX Immigration Issues Coming Up In Legislature

http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?s=5681466

Immigration Issues Coming Up In Legislature

Nov 15, 2006 02:21 PM CST


Farmers Branch is telling illegal immigrants that they can't live in the Dallas suburb. They can still work there, though.

City councilmembers in Farmers Branch passed a controversial immigration resolution late Monday night.

The decision not only makes English the official language but also starting Jan. 12 renters must prove to landlords or apartment managers that they are U.S. citizens. Violators will be fined up to $500.

Tempers flared outside city hall.

Several advocacy groups have started or are considering lawsuits.

From Farmers Branch to the State Capitol: immigration reform hits a nerve for people in Texas.

In the last two days, several different lawmakers have submitted immigration bills including one that challenges the constitution.

KXAN NBC Austin's political reporter Jenny Hoff tells us what it could mean for the millions of immigrant children in Texas.

Beatrice and her children came to the United States two years ago. Four months ago, in Austin, she gave birth to Brian. He's now a U.S. citizen and Beatrice's link to staying in this country.

Beatrice is scared to show her face, but tells us she just wants to give her family a chance.

"I want him to be able to study, go to college, and we just want to be able to send some money back to Mexico," Beatrice says through a translator.

One politician says, these "anchor babies" -- children born to illegal immigrants, are costing the state too much money.

Beatrice's older children go to school at Metz, a bilingual elementary school where about half of the children's parents are illegal immigrants. Lawmakers say it's programs like these that are draining state money.

Republican Leo Berman of Tyler, Texas wrote a bill that would deny the children of illegal immigrants any state benefits.

"One of the most lucrative benefits is the ability to come across the border and give birth in a hospital and become citizens free of charge, despite the fact that they're violating our most basic federal law, and that is of our sovereignty," Berman said.

"The constitution says if you're born on U.S. soil, you're a U.S. citizen. That's the way it's always been. And, a lot of us, that's exactly how our forefathers got their citizenship," said Chris Jimmerson with Political Asylum Project of Austin.

Berman hopes that's what his bill will challenge. He wants it to force the Supreme Court to clarify the 14th Amendment and possibly deny Brian the rights his mother thinks he automatically has. Berman says the proposed bill would not be retroactive. It would only affect children born after the bill went into law.

Berman also filed a bill that would tax any money sent from Texas to Mexico, Central or South America. Other legislators have filed bills demanding the federal government pick up the $2 billion tab Texas pays for illegal immigrants every year.

Rep. Burt Solomons of Carrollton says Texas should be able to sue the federal government to recover costs associated with illegal immigrants.

He says these undocumented illegals put a burden on our healthcare system, our judicial and criminal systems and law enforcement. All of which is ultimately paid for by the citizens of Texas.

The 80th Legislative session begins Jan. 9.

If you have questions for your representative, we can help. Political reporter Jenny Hoff is planning to take your issues and ideas straight to local lawmakers.

Just send her an e-mail at jenny.hoff@kxan.com, and watch KXAN News at 6 for the answers.

It is about time someone stood up for the Tax payers of this country.
Stop the free ride!

We should all thank Republican Leo Berman of Tyler, Texas for not standing by and letting this country get taken for a ride.
By the way this guy is from the county I was born in, you go Leo Berman!

Look at the stupidity of this idiot! His lack of any knowledge of the Constitution yet they Quote him!!

"The constitution says if you're born on U.S. soil, you're a U.S. citizen. That's the way it's always been. And, a lot of us, that's exactly how our forefathers got their citizenship," said Chris Jimmerson with Political Asylum Project of Austin.

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