Canyon lawmakers sponsor illegal immigration crackdown
Mike Butts
mbutts@idahopress.com
Updated 3 hours 22 minutes ago

FIRST AT IDAHOPRESS.COM

BOISE — Canyon County's four state senators have introduced legislation meant to crack down on illegal immigration.

Senate Bill 1271 would make it illegal to produce false identification when applying for employment and also for employers to knowingly hire employees that produce false documents at the time of employment.

Senators Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston), Curt McKenzie (R-Nampa), John McGee (R-Caldwell) and Melinda Smyser (R-Parma) are cosponsors of the legislation.

"The costs of illegal immigration to the state of Idaho are staggering," McGee said in a press release.

Lodge, chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, added, "The taxpayers of Canyon County and Idaho are suffering through these tough economic times and even with reduced funds, Idaho's Constitution mandates a balanced budget. All options to reduce the costs to the taxpayers caused by illegal immigration must be found."

Said McKenzie: "I made a commitment last session to make immigration a priority in my committee. It is especially important in these tough economic times."

The bill has been referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee, where McKenzie is chairman.


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