Thread: Immigration legislation criticized at Senate panel hearing i

Legislation that would crack down on illegal immigrants would hurt Georgia’s economy, about two dozen people told a state Senate Committee.

Almost everyone who spoke Saturday in Savannah at the third hearing of a Democrat-led study panel opposed the bills, one of which has passed in the House.

The latter would let police check to see whether people they arrest are illegal immigrants. It also would require employers to use a federal database to check the status of their workers.

Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latin American Elected Officials, said passing the measures could trigger an international tourism boycott.

If there is a boycott, Gonzalez said, noting that tourism is a linchpin of Savannah’s economy, “it’s going to kill jobs in Savannah. It’s going to kill jobs all across Georgia.â€

[quote="loservillelabor"]Debra Sabia, a Georgia Southern University political science professor, said federal immigration raids already have turned some agricultural communities into ghost towns.

“We need these workers,â€

Citing estimates that at least 50 percent of Georgia farm workers are illegals, he said the bills could wreck agriculture, Georgia’s top industry.

If they knew 50% of farm workers are illegal immigrations, why haven't they contacted ICE as required by U.S. immigration laws?

Criminal charge of aiding and abetting or accessory can usually be brought against any person who helps in the commission of a crime. It is a crime to have knowlege about unlawful employments and do not report the offense.