Susie
09-23-2007, 04:23 AM
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2007/sep/21/weldon-introduces-bill-to-allow-state-local-help/
Introduced bill to allow state, local help enforcing immigration laws
By Amie Parnes (Contact)
Friday, September 21, 2007
WASHINGTON — Rep. Dave Weldon introduced a bill on Thursday aimed at giving state and local communities the right to reinforce federal laws against illegal immigration.
Weldon, R-Melbourne, a member of the bipartisan House Immigration Reform Caucus, said his legislation "is necessary to prevent liberal judges from denying communities the right to pass and enforce laws against illegal immigration.
"The federal government has passed immigration laws but refuses to enforce them," Weldon said in a statement. "My bill will ensure that communities, which are forced to pay for tens of billions of dollars in services to illegal immigrants, are able to address local problems caused by the influx of illegal immigrants."
Weldon said he decided to introduce the legislation after a federal judge recently struck down a local ordinance approved by officials in Hazelton, Pa. That ordinance prevented residents from housing or hiring illegal immigrants.
The judge's ruling said state and local communities could not pass and enforce laws against illegal immigration.
"The Hazelton decision defies common-sense," Weldon said. "In effect the judge told Hazelton and all local communities that federal immigration laws can't be enforced at the local level unless federal authorities do the enforcing. Clearly that's not happening. Apparently, local authorities are supposed to sit on their hands while illegal immigrants commit crimes, take jobs and live off local taxpayers' goodwill."
Weldon said the judge ultimately said cities and states are powerless to discourage illegal immigration in their areas. Weldon's legislation, he said, would ensure that cities and states have the lweeway to reinforce federal immigration law.
"My bill simple removes the ambiguity, ensuring that state and local authorities can take the necessary steps in their community to address illegal immigration without fear of being stampeded by the courts," Weldon added.
As of Thursday, the legislation had 13 co-sponsors.
Introduced bill to allow state, local help enforcing immigration laws
By Amie Parnes (Contact)
Friday, September 21, 2007
WASHINGTON — Rep. Dave Weldon introduced a bill on Thursday aimed at giving state and local communities the right to reinforce federal laws against illegal immigration.
Weldon, R-Melbourne, a member of the bipartisan House Immigration Reform Caucus, said his legislation "is necessary to prevent liberal judges from denying communities the right to pass and enforce laws against illegal immigration.
"The federal government has passed immigration laws but refuses to enforce them," Weldon said in a statement. "My bill will ensure that communities, which are forced to pay for tens of billions of dollars in services to illegal immigrants, are able to address local problems caused by the influx of illegal immigrants."
Weldon said he decided to introduce the legislation after a federal judge recently struck down a local ordinance approved by officials in Hazelton, Pa. That ordinance prevented residents from housing or hiring illegal immigrants.
The judge's ruling said state and local communities could not pass and enforce laws against illegal immigration.
"The Hazelton decision defies common-sense," Weldon said. "In effect the judge told Hazelton and all local communities that federal immigration laws can't be enforced at the local level unless federal authorities do the enforcing. Clearly that's not happening. Apparently, local authorities are supposed to sit on their hands while illegal immigrants commit crimes, take jobs and live off local taxpayers' goodwill."
Weldon said the judge ultimately said cities and states are powerless to discourage illegal immigration in their areas. Weldon's legislation, he said, would ensure that cities and states have the lweeway to reinforce federal immigration law.
"My bill simple removes the ambiguity, ensuring that state and local authorities can take the necessary steps in their community to address illegal immigration without fear of being stampeded by the courts," Weldon added.
As of Thursday, the legislation had 13 co-sponsors.