March 8, 2016

NORTH PROVIDENCE – Rep. Arthur Corvese is proposing legislation to prevent those who are unlawfully living in the United States from getting driver’s licenses in Rhode Island, and to prohibit municipalities from refusing to cooperate with the federal government’s efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Corvese’s bills would oppose efforts on the part of local Senators Frank Ciccone, Donna Nesselbush and others to give licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Corvese, of House District 55 North Providence, has introduced two separate bills, both of which he says are meant to establish laws that are consistent with federal immigration laws and to send a clear message that Rhode Island is no place for those who enter the country illegally.

“My introduction of these pieces of legislation is neither an indictment nor a condemnation of the particular political view of my colleagues in the executive and legislative branches of government,” he said in a release. “Rather, these two bills will both represent the voices of those who are looking for consistency, stability and a sense of order to our present society, and engender a balance in the conversation and debate between the two dichotomous political perspectives.”

Added Corvese, “It is entirely unfair to law-abiding Rhode Islanders, particularly those who are legal immigrants who went through the lengthy and involved process to follow the proper channels, when we make special allowances for those who don’t. Moreover, if we allow Rhode Island to become a magnet for illegal immigrants, we are jeopardizing public safety and unduly taxing our resources.”

Those who break the law to come to the country may break other laws as well, said Corvese, such as working in illegal underground economies or trying to get benefits to which they are not entitled to support themselves.

“We are a nation of laws, and Rhode Island should not try to undermine the laws of the nation,” he said. “To do so is destructive to our country and dangerous for Rhode Islanders.”

One of Corvese’s bills would require anyone who applies to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a driver’s license to provide either a valid Social Security number or proof of legal permanent residency in the U.S. The legislation would take effect upon passage, and would apply to any issuance or renewal of any existing license on or after July 1.

The other bill, titled the “Public Safety and Protection Act,” is aimed at preventing “sanctuary cities” in Rhode Island. The bill also allows Rhode Island citizens to file a complaint with the attorney general if they believe an agency is not complying with it, and states that if the allegation proves true, the offending agency shall not be eligible to receive any funds from the state until the violation has ceased.

Corvese said he believes both bills are necessary because of efforts in the state to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, and efforts across the country to declare “sanctuary cities” where officials are banned from cooperating with federal efforts to apprehend or deport illegal immigrants, even when those individuals have committed crimes beyond that of entering the country illegally.

He said he is particularly concerned about the potential for tragedy that could occur should a state agency refuses to comply with a federal effort to deport a dangerous criminal.

http://www.valleybreeze.com/2016-03-...s#.VuCpgPkrKUk