Thread: S.C. weighs crackdown on illegal immigrants

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/ne ... 601313.htm

Posted on Mon, Sep. 25, 2006

S.C. weighs crackdown on illegal immigrants
Lawmakers fed up with federal inaction say they will pass strong laws
By TIM DONNELLY
tdonnelly@islandpacket.com

State lawmakers began meeting last week to discuss proposals they hope will give South Carolina some of the toughest laws against illegal immigration in the country.

With mounting disappointment at the stalled attempts at comprehensive immigration legislation at the federal level, state legislators said they are confident they will be able to introduce a bill in January with wide support in the State House.

The bill probably will mirror Georgia’s immigration legislation, which Gov. Sonny Perdue signed last spring.

“We are increasingly frustrated by the inability of the federal government to enforce its laws,” said Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg, chairman of the study committee appointed to recommend solutions. “The states are acting where they can. We have very limited power with issues of immigration.”

The committee held its first meeting Tuesday, when it began looking at steps other states have taken to curb illegal immigration. It heard testimony from various groups, including Homeland Security officials and advocates for tighter immigration laws, Ritchie said.

The Georgia law the committee is particularly interested in drew national attention immediately when Perdue signed it last year, making it one of the toughest such laws in the country, especially for a nonborder state. Most of the provisions go into effect in summer 2007.

The law would:

• Require people to show proof of legal residence before receiving local, state or federal benefits administered by the state

• Require contractors working for the state to verify their employees’ legal status through a federal verification program

n Authorize local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws

• Call for jail personnel to check the legal status of anyone charged with a felony or DUI and notify federal immigration officials if the person is not a citizen.

The Georgia law has drawn some criticism for carrying harsh penalties, but S.C. legislators said they might tailor the law to fit specific problems facing this state.

“I don’t think there’s any question it’s affecting our schools. ... The hospitals are dealing with it. That’s where it’s hurting around the country,” said Sen. Scott Richardson, R-Beaufort. “I think there’s plenty of reason to be serious about it.”

A survey released last year by the Pew Hispanic Center estimated South Carolina is home to between 20,000 and 35,000 illegal immigrants.

Rep. Bill Herbkersman, R-Beaufort, said he already sees the ideas the committee is discussing gaining traction in the State House.

“Every day, I get calls and e-mails about” illegal immigration, he said.

Ritchie said the committee, which next meets Oct. 10, is being sensitive to the needs of the hospitality and construction industries, which often rely on a strong immigrant work force.

The committee expects to hear testimony from businesspeople, he said, and it doesn’t want to hurt businesses with workers who are legal immigrants.

Tim Donnelly is a staff writer for The (Hilton Head) Island Packet, a McClatchy newspaper.

I so envy these states not so invaded yet. And, yet, I feel they can get the momentum going so that eventually it will help us in the SW.
Most federal government officials are traitors, chicken and have their own agendas.