Nebraska governor signs illegal-immigration bill

Neb. governor signs bill aimed at blocking public benefit distributions to illegal immigrants
Jean Ortiz
Wednesday April 8, 2009, 4:31 pm EDT

OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has signed into law a measure that aims to stop illegal immigrants from getting any public benefits.

At Wednesday's signing, Heineman called the bill a small but important step for the state.

"Nebraska has crafted a targeted and reasonable response that will ensure that benefits from state and local agencies are preserved for those that truly qualify," Heineman said.

It's now time for the federal government to develop a comprehensive solution to the illegal-immigration challenge, he said.

The measure hasn't escaped criticism. Some lawmakers have questioned what the bill will accomplish when federal law already prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving most state benefits.

"I don't know that this bill in the long run will solve specific, drawn-out problems that we have ... but the people wanted us to move and to compromise on something, and that's exactly what happened," Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha said at the signing ceremony.

Lawmakers last week passed the bill that Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber had introduced on Heineman's behalf.

Initially, it sought to require that state and local agencies verify that those seeking public benefits are legal residents.

The amended measure will additionally require public employers and contractors to check their employees' legal status once hired, using the federal Internet-based system E-Verify or an equivalent federal system, should it be replaced.

It will not repeal a law that lets some children of illegal immigrants pay in-state tuition rates at a state college or university.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nebraska- ... 85051.html