http://www.helenair.com/articles/2007/0 ... aee500.txt
Nov 15, 2007
Senate endorses anti-illegal immigration law
By ALAN SUDERMAN
HELENA, Mont. - The first in a series of bills designed to curb illegal immigration was endorsed by the Senate Thursday.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Shockley, R-Victor, would prohibit unlawful workers from obtaining or renewing state occupational licenses, such as those needed to be a plumber or a doctor. The measure passed 27-23, with every Republican Sen. and three Democratic Senators voting for it.

Shockley, who has sponsored three other bills designed to restrict illegal immigrants this session, said the majority of Montanans want the government to punish unlawful workers. He told the Senate that he was "nibbling around the around the edges" of the illegal immigration issue because immigration is the federal government's responsibility.

"The problem is the Congress passes laws they don't want the president to enforce. And guess what, he doesn't enforce them," Shockley said.

Opponents of the bill said it was unnecessary and would create problems for law-abiding workers.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)