Caucus Press Release: House Approves Tough GOP Immigration Bill
Jan 30, 2008
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS / PRESS OFFICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House Approves Tough GOP Immigration Bill
Reforms get tough on illegals, protect business
COLUMBIA -- The House Republican Caucus' plan to fight illegal immigration -- the top priority for the Caucus in the 2008 legislative session -- was approved by the House of Representatives Wednesday.
"In the face of federal inaction, we were thrust into this debate," said Majority Leader Jim Merrill. "What we approved today is a comprehensive, real reform that will make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to live here. At the same time, we are protecting and promoting our citizens and those who have done what they need to do to live and work here legally."
Wednesday's vote fulfills the third GOP Caucus agenda item, joining earmark reform and Tuesday's small business healthcare initiative. The bill was approved 89-23. The Caucus defeated repeated attempts to kill the bill.
Under the provisions of the new law, employers will be encouraged to use the Federal SAVE Program to check if their employees are in the country legally. There is no cost for employers to use this program.
"This is an important provision that will allow employers to do the right thing while not being a burden," said Rep. Gene Pinson of Greenwood. "I'm proud of our Republican team for taking action on immigration while protecting small businesses."
The legislation also 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.
"This is important legislation for the future of South Carolina," said Rep. Thad Viers of Myrtle Beach. "We have abolished incentives to come here illegally and hopefully made our state less attractive to illegal immigrants."
The number of illegal immigrants in South Carolina has exploded 15 fold in the last decade, and according to the best estimates, illegal immigrants cost South Carolina taxpayers more than $186 million a year.
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