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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Harry Readshaw |
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Readshaw bill would have Pa. bolster federal slack on immigration enforcement
HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, today introduced legislation that would give state agencies authority to make up for the federal failure to enforce illegal immigration laws adequately.
Readshaw said the legislation (H.B. 2169) parallels a law enacted in Oklahoma that took effect on Nov. 1 and is similar to provisions on the books in Georgia and Colorado. He emphasized that his proposal does not seek imposition of new restrictions, but rather, would allow the state to assert its right to ensure that immigration laws are enforced when the federal government will not or cannot enforce them itself.
“There are about 12 million illegal aliens in our country,” said Readshaw. “They are attending our schools and seeking public benefits, but avoid paying income taxes, which has put a growing burden on the average taxpayer and our national, state and local programs.
“Law-abiding taxpayers and workers, and they include many legal immigrants, simply cannot afford the adverse and growing impact of illegal immigration to continue unabated. As state lawmakers, it is our duty to act if we aren’t receiving the protection from Washington that we are supposed to be getting. We cannot stand by as spectators to the failed policies of the federal government.”
The provisions of Readshaw’s bill would:
o Require public agencies to determine if people seeking benefits are lawfully in the country, but would exempt children up to age 14.
o Mandate that public employers and companies contracting with public employers use electronic measures to verify a person’s eligibility for employment.
o Make it a felony to knowingly transport or harbor an illegal immigrant.
o Authorize the state attorney general to reach an accord with the federal government to permit state and local law enforcement officers to assume certain federal immigration enforcement responsibilities.
o Prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving higher education financial assistance and scholarships, but would allow students to attend at an in-state tuition rate.
o Mandate prisons verify the immigration status of people arrested on drunken-driving or felony charges.
o Prohibit the issuance of official identification cards to citizens, nationals and legal permanent residents except for driver’s licenses and school identification cards.
The bill is now awaiting assignment to a committee by the speaker of the House.