Immigration Control
Hello and welcome. The purpose of "Immigration Control" is to offer an opportunity for lively discussion on the subject of immigration. Various areas on the subject will be posted and you will be able to reply, pro or con. Please, no foul language or flaming other posters. If you have an article you've written or found elsewhere you want posted please email it to: mvl270@yahoo.com Immigration Control is a production of Moe Lauzier's Issues of the Day.Wednesday, April 19, 2006
PERDUE SIGNS BILL ON ILLEGALS
CRACKDOWNLAW FACES CHALLENGES
By Jim TharpeThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution April 18, 2006
Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into law on Monday a far-reaching attempt to confront illegal immigration in Georgia, but the plan goes on the books facing the threat of a legal challenge and possible congressional action that could render some of its provisions moot.
Perdue put his signature on the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, which targets illegal immigrants and those who employ them.
"We recognize that immigration is ultimately a national issue that begs for a national solution," Perdue said. "But it's our responsibility to ensure that our famous Georgia hospitality is not abused, that our taxpayers are not taken advantage of, and that our citizens are protected."
Senate Bill 529 was heralded by those who have crusaded for tougher laws and condemned by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which called it "unjust and unfair."
There are an estimated 250,000 to 800,000 illegal immigrants in Georgia. No one knows the exact number, nor their impact on the economy and taxpayer-funded social services.
"Certainly we're disappointed the governor signed the bill," said Tisha Tallman, legal counsel for MALDEF's Atlanta office. "We believe this legislation does nothing to move us forward in the direction we need to be moving economically, culturally and socially."
Tallman said MALDEF "continues to prepare for possible litigation" but has made no final decision on if or when a lawsuit will be filed. Tallman has argued some provisions of the law pre-empt federal authority and are therefore unconstitutional. Supporters say they are confident the law will withstand any court challenge.
D.A. King, a Cobb County activist who has lobbied state lawmakers and organized rallies in support of a crackdown on illegal immigration, applauded the law. Polls have indicated more than 80 percent of Georgians wanted the state Legislature to address the issue during its recent session, which ended last month.
"I am absolutely ecstatic that the governor of Georgia has joined 82 percent of the people who wanted something done about illegal immigration on a state level," King said after a rally Monday at the Capitol. "The bill is the most comprehensive of its kind in the country."
King predicted the Georgia law would be a model for other states. He said it could help spur Congress to action as it debates a federal crackdown.
"I don't know what it will take to get the president and Congress to do their jobs," he said. "But I think [SB] 529 is a step in that direction. It's certainly a step toward protecting ourselves absent the promised federal care."
The legislation breezed through the election-year Legislature as Georgia became one of more than two dozen states trying to confront an issue many believe has been ignored by the federal government.
Initially, business and agricultural interests were leery of the plan, but they muted their objections after trigger dates for key provisions were delayed, giving them more time to prepare for the changes.
Under the law, adult illegal immigrants may not obtain some taxpayer-funded services. However, their children are exempt, and adults will still have access to some medical services, including emergency care, treatment for communicable diseases, and prenatal care. The children of illegal immigrants may still attend public school — a right that has been guaranteed by the federal courts.
Some provisions kick in July 1, 2007, including tough penalties for human trafficking. But other key provisions — one would hold employers responsible for hiring illegal immigrants — will not take effect until 2008 for those with fewer than 500 workers.
One portion prohibits employers from claiming a state tax deduction on the wages of illegal immigrants. However, it depends on the worker providing documentation, and most experts agree there are so many fake documents in the pipeline that it will be difficult to enforce.
"There is a legitimate argument with fake documents," said Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), who sponsored the bill. "And I pledge to come back next year and work specifically on that issue."
Rogers has come under attack from some proponents of a crackdown, who argue the law does not go far enough, and those on the other side who argue that it unfairly punishes low-paid laborers who underpin agriculture and the hospitality and construction industries.
"Somebody once told me, you know you've got a bill just right when the people on both ends start complaining," he said after attending Monday's signing. "So maybe we hit it just right for this year."
Rogers declined to speculate about the political implications of the crackdown in an election year — all 236 state lawmakers, the governor and most statewide officers are up for election. Some critics have accused Republicans of pushing the bill to boost their political fortunes.
"Anytime you send a message to the people of Georgia that we are serious about enforcing the law and the law ought to apply equally to everyone, that is a good message to send," Rogers said. "It doesn't matter what party you are in or what year it is."
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