Caucus Press Release: House GOP Immigration Bill Heads to House Floor
Jan 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Jason Zacher
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House GOP Immigration Bill Heads to House Floor
'South Carolina Plan' Gets Judiciary Committee Approval
COLUMBIA -- The House Republican Caucus' plan to fight illegal immigration -- the top priority for the Caucus in the 2008 legislative session -- received key approval from the full House Judiciary Committee late Tuesday.
"The Caucus told the people of South Carolina that this was our top priority and we are bringing this legislation to the floor in the first three weeks of session," said Majority Leader Jim Merrill. "The Republican majority is proving again that we move quickly and effectively on the issues our constituents tell us are important."
The number of illegal immigrants in South Carolina has exploded in the last decade 15 fold from the estimated 5,000 that were here ten years ago. To date, there are an estimated 75,000 illegal aliens residing in our state, and according to the best estimates, illegal immigrants cost South Carolina taxpayers more than $186 million a year.
"The South Carolina Plan is the strongest, most comprehensive immigration package our state has ever seen," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. "With illegal aliens costing our taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year, our state needs to address all the issues raised in The South Carolina Plan. I want to thank Chairman Jim Harrison for his leadership in passing this crucial plan out of committee and bringing us one step closer to making it law."
The comprehensive legislation orders SLED to reach understanding with the federal government to help enforce immigration laws, requires law enforcement to determine the legal status of any person arrested for committing a crime, prohibits sanctuary cities, prohibits college admission and scholarships for illegal aliens, and prohibits paying public benefits and public employment for illegal aliens.
The bill also makes it a felony to possess false identification papers, but provides safeguards for businesses that unknowingly hire illegal immigrants that use falsified Social Security or other documents.
"This is one of the most important issues facing our country right now," said Chairman Harrison. "We must balance everyone's desire to welcome those who come here legally with those who circumvent the system. Congress' continued inaction on this issue means we had to do what we could to protect our citizens."
The full House should debate the legislation next week.
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