Indiana Senate Passes E-Verify Mandate
The Indiana Senate overwhelmingly passed Sen. Mike Delph's E-Verify bill by a 46-to-4 margin. The bill now moves to the House for its approval.
state policies
10th Circuit Upholds Oklahoma’s E-Verify Mandate for State Contractors
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld Oklahoma’s authority to enforce a law that requires public contractors to participate in the federal E-Verify program. The majority on the Court’s three-judge panel decided a lower court had erred in its determination that the law’s E-Verify provision was preempted.
Utahns conflicted on in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants
Utahns continue to be divided about whether the state should allow students who are undocumented immigrants but graduates of state high schools to pay in-state tuition.
A new Salt Lake Tribune poll found 47 percent of Utahns want to repeal a law granting such students in-state tuition. That's three percent higher than a 2008 poll, but the difference is within the polls' margin of error.
A new Salt Lake Tribune poll found 47 percent of Utahns want to repeal a law granting such students in-state tuition. That's three percent higher than a 2008 poll, but the difference is within the polls' margin of error.
Excerpts from Friday's GOP gubernatorial debate
The candidates were asked whether they would force employers to use the E-verify system to ensure that only legal citizens are hired.
Medina: No. "We have a process in Texas. . . . We use the I-9 forms. . . . Also, the Texas driver’s license is an acceptable form of identification . . . yet in Texas we are issuing Texas driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Stop issuing Texas driver’s licenses toward illegal immigrants would go a long way."
Roy Responds to Pres. Obama's State of the Union
Length: 2 min 3 sec
With more than 15 million Americans unemployed, Pres. Barack Obama discussed his plan to put them back to work during his first State of the Union Address. But Pres. Obama failed to mention any type of Immigration Suspension, insisting on the continued importation of 125,000 foreign workers per month.
Canyon lawmakers sponsor illegal immigration crackdown
Senate Bill 1271 would make it illegal to produce false identification when applying for employment and also for employers to knowingly hire employees that produce false documents at the time of employment.
Senators Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston), Curt McKenzie (R-Nampa), John McGee (R-Caldwell) and Melinda Smyser (R-Parma) are cosponsors of the legislation.http://www.idahopress.com/?id=29553
Senators Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston), Curt McKenzie (R-Nampa), John McGee (R-Caldwell) and Melinda Smyser (R-Parma) are cosponsors of the legislation.http://www.idahopress.com/?id=29553
By Mike Butts -- Idaho Press-Tribune
Arizona Senate Committee Approves Bill to Allow Local Immigration Enforcement
A bill passed by the Arizona Senate Committee on Public Safety and Human Services would expand the immigration enforcement efforts of local police. The bill would allow police to arrest suspected illegal aliens and crackdown on the employers that hire them.
Indiana Senate Committee to Vote on E-Verify
The Indiana Senate's Committee on Pensions and Labor will vote Wednesday on SB 213 that would require state agencies and local governments to use E-Verify to check the worker eligibility of all new hires.
Upcoming State Battles Will Be Just as Significant as the National Ones
Things have been a little quiet around our Washington D.C. office this week. The Senate is out of session until next week, and even though the House is back, they’ve spent most of their time on retreats and planning the next six months before turning their attention to the mid-term elections. We at NumbersUSA used the downtime to begin preparing our website for a busy year.
Victory in New Jersey! Vote on In-State Tuition Bill Canceled
A vote scheduled in the New Jersey state senate to allow illegal aliens to receive state-subsidized, in-state tuition rates at the state's colleges and universities was canceled on Monday. The bill's sponsor said he lacked the necessary votes to pass the measure when Senators came under constituent pressure, in-part due to phone calls from NumbersUSA Members.
In-State Tuition Battle Continues in New Jersey
A scheduled vote in the New Jersey state senate was postponed last week, likely indicating that they didn't have enough votes to pass a measure allowing illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition rates at the state's public universities and colleges.
In-State Tuition Bill in New Jersey Still Looms
The New Jersey State Senate is once again beginning consideration of an in-state tuition bill that will allow students in the country illegally to attend the state's public colleges and universities at the discounted resident tuition rate.
Utah's Driving Privilege Card presents dilemma for illegal aliens and employers
As of January 1, 2010, Utah’s Driving Privilege Card (DPC) will only be issued to individuals who are not able to prove legal presence in the United States. This change makes the DPC a clear and unambiguous illegal alien identification card.
Gwinnett Sheriff Lauds Success of 287G
The word appears to be getting out in Gwinnett County: If you're an illegal immigrant, don't get arrested. Because if you do, you could be shipped out of the United States.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department has fewer inmates in its jail than at any other time in Sheriff Butch Conway's 13 years on the job.http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/gwinnett-sheriff-lauds-success-of-287g-123009
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department has fewer inmates in its jail than at any other time in Sheriff Butch Conway's 13 years on the job.http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/gwinnett-sheriff-lauds-success-of-287g-123009
By Justin Gray -- MyFOX Atlanta
Ohio Set to Revoke Illegal-Alien Vehicle Registrations
In October, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles informed over 47,000 vehicle owners that their registrations would be canceled unless they provide a valid Ohio driver license or identification card or proof of a Social Security number. The Bureau is attempting to close a loophole that allowed illegal aliens to register vehicles without valid documentation.
In Houston, local sheriffs round up illegals
While Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Phoenix gets all the media attention for his crackdown on illegal immigrants, eight deputies in an unremarkable office at the Harris County Jail are posting similar numbers for deportation -- and doing so without controversy.
Friends of Arizona Businesses with Illegal Workers Take E-Verify Law to Supreme Court (see the list)
In a last ditch effort to undermine Arizona’s mandatory E-Verify law for employers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of business and open-border groups have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether Arizona’s law is preempted by federal law. The case, if taken up by the Court, could have ramifications for other state and local enforcement laws as well.
Pro-Enforcement Candidates win in Virginia and New Jersey
Voters in Virginia and New Jersey elected Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie, respectively, as their state's next governors because of concerns for high taxes and a lack of job creation. But both candidates also indicated during their campaigns a commitment for strong state immigration enforcement.
68% of Americans Oppose Sanctuary Cities
A new poll conducted by Rasmussen reveals that 68% of Americans oppose sanctuary cities and 50% believe that the policies lead to an increase in crime. The poll was conducted late last week.
Immigration foes pledge new bill, voter initiative
Accusing the federal government of hampering local attempts to combat illegal immigration, state Sen. Russell Pearce, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and some of Arizona's most hawkish public figures on border security pledged on Wednesday to redouble their efforts with new legislation and a citizens initiative.
Ark. AG certifies measure aimed at denying services to illegal immigrants
The Arkansas attorney general's office has cleared the way for signature-gathering by supporters of a proposed ballot measure requiring government agencies to verify that all those seeking public benefits in the state are legal U.S. residents.http://www.wreg.com/sns-ap-ar--illegalimmigrants-arkansas,0,4817822.story
By Andrew DeMillo -- Associated Press
House Members Show Support for Maricopa County 287(g) Program
Responding to reports that the Department of Homeland Security plans to end its 287(g) agreement with Maricopa County in Arizona, Representatives Lamar Smith and Trent Franks are showing their support for the county.
Oakland County approves worker verification system
Companies providing services to Oakland County government will have to use a federal system to insure their employees are legally entitled to work in the United States.
Grassley: New 287(g) Policies Hamper Local Law Enforcement Ability to Apprehend Illegal Aliens
In a July 14 letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) said he is worried that new departmental policies will weaken the 287(g) program, which was specifically designed to give local law enforcement offices the capability to investigate, apprehend, and detain illegal immigrants by entering into a cooperative agreement with the federal government. Grassley also noted that the department’s changes are a step backward in the effort to enforce the nation’s immigrations laws.
E-Verify Bill Passes N.C. State Committee
A bill to extend mandatory E-Verify usage in North Carolina passed a state Senate committee on July 7. SB 32, which is sponsored by Sen. John Snow, a Democrat, would require city and county governments, and certain state and local government contractors, to use the federal E-Verify system to check the workplace eligibility of new hires. State agencies were required to use E-Verify beginning in 2007, so this bill is seen as the next step in an effort to extend E-Verify usage and, thereby, free up jobs for unemployed citizens and legal residents.
Illegal Immigration Costs Virginia Households $625/year
A new study released by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) finds that illegal immigration costs the average Virginia household $625 per year. Virginia's illegal alien population is estimated to be 295,000, up by 300% since 2000.
Wisconsin Denies Driver's Licenses to Illegal Aliens
The Wisconsin legislature approved a new budget and it forbids illegal aliens from obtaining driver's licenses. The budget does, however, allow children of illegal aliens who attend Wisconsin high schools to qualify for in-state tuition.
Washington public schools hire some foreign teachers by using H-1B visas
While use of the visa in the private sector at companies like Microsoft is well-known and hotly debated, less is known about school districts' use of the program. In fact, at least 40 Washington school districts have applied for H-1B visas to employ teachers and staff over the past five years. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009393348_h1b28m.html
By Christine Willmsen and Lornet Turnbull -- The Seattle Times
Anti-illegal-migrant bills advance
Two years after engineering the nation's toughest employer-sanctions law, state Sen. Russell Pearce has taken the lead in a new round of anti-immigration reforms that could have long-lasting effects on Arizona.
Illegal immigrants netted by local police could be released
Some undocumented immigrants swept up on minor charges such as fishing without a license won’t face federal detention. Instead, they’ll be released on their own recognizance under an Obama administration directive to a Nashville, Tenn., sheriff who charged 6,000 people with immigration crimes over the past 2-1/2 years.
Arizona Legislature Considers New Trespassing Laws Against Illegal Aliens
The Arizona state House is considering a proposal to criminalize illegal immigrants as trespassers if police have reasonable suspicion to check a person's immigration status and find it lacking.
Calif. Looks to Immigrant Inmates to Save Costs
With California slipping into a financial sinkhole, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to save more than $180 million by cutting short the sentences of thousands of immigrants in the state's prisons and turning them over to federal authorities for deportation.
U.S. 8th Circuit Court Allows Local Governments to Punish Businesses who Hire Illegal Aliens
The U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that local governments can suspend the business licenses of businesses that hire illegal aliens. The case stems from a local ordinance in Valley Park, Mo. where a law was passed that requires local businesses to use E-Verify.
Senate Introduces Pass ID to Scale Back Real ID
With pressure coming from former Arizona governor and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, the Senate has introduced the Pass ID bill, which would loosen some of the requirements set forth by Real ID. Real ID was passed in response to 9-11 and required states to issue a more secure driver's license or state ID, but several states complained that it was too costly.
Ariz. Senate OKs bill on immigration enforcement
The Arizona Senate's approved a bill to enable state and local police officers to help enforce immigration laws and to make it a crime for illegal immigrants to be in the state.
The bill would prohibit state, county or local public officials from adopting policies that limit full enforcement of federal immigration law.
Republican Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa says his bill would erase so-called "sanctuary policies" that restrain police involvement in some jurisdictions.
The bill would prohibit state, county or local public officials from adopting policies that limit full enforcement of federal immigration law.
Republican Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa says his bill would erase so-called "sanctuary policies" that restrain police involvement in some jurisdictions.
San Francisco at Crossroads Over Immigration
In the debate over illegal immigration, San Francisco has proudly played the role of liberal enclave, a so-called sanctuary city where local officials have refused to cooperate with enforcement of federal immigration law and undocumented residents have mostly lived without fear of consequence.
Anti-Sanctuary City Bill Clears Tennessee Legislature
The Tennessee state legislature cleared a bill (SB 1310) for the governor’s signature that would prohibit local governments from enacting “sanctuary city” ordinances or policies that make it difficult for law enforcement and other local government employees to comply with federal immigration law. The bill also requires local law enforcement officials to inform federal immigration authorities when they have probable cause to believe an arrestee is an illegal alien.
Washington “Respect for Law” Initiative Seeking Signatures
Proponents of the immigration-reduction initiative 1043 in Washington State, also known as the Washington "Respect for Law" Act of 2009, are collecting signatures toward the 241,153 necessary to advance it for the November 2009 General Election ballot. The deadline for collecting signatures is July 2, 2009.
House Passes Bill Prohibiting Immigrant Sanctuary Cities
A bill that aims to curb illegal immigration by prohibiting local governments from enacting “sanctuary” ordinances, or policies that make it difficult for law enforcement and other local government employees to comply with federal immigration law, was approved in the state House on Friday morning. http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_152642.asp
Chattanoogan.com
Oakland to offer identification cards for illegal immigrants
Two years after reaffirming Oakland's status as a "sanctuary city," the City Council voted this week to create identification cards for illegal immigrants.
The city's program will be modeled after a similar one in San Francisco, which started giving out cards to illegal immigrants earlier this year.
The city's program will be modeled after a similar one in San Francisco, which started giving out cards to illegal immigrants earlier this year.
Victory in Maine!
On Wednesday, Maine's Democratic Governor John Baldacci vetoed a bill that would have allowed illegal aliens to get driver's licenses. NumbersUSA members flooded the Governor's office and Senate offices with phone calls just after Senators passed the bill in an effort to promote a veto and successful override.
Idaho agencies must show workers are legal if they want federal economic stimulus money
Gov. Butch Otter has signed an executive order requiring state agencies to prove they are employing only legally documented workers if they want a share of the state's $1.24 billion in federal economic stimulus money.
The order also requires contractors and subcontractors on state projects to prove their employees are legal.http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/790131.html
The order also requires contractors and subcontractors on state projects to prove their employees are legal.http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/790131.html
Associated Press
Maine House Opposes Real ID
The Maine House has agreed with the Senate to repeal a key portion of the anti-terrorism law known as Real ID.
After a debate Monday, representatives voted 85-57 to get rid of a part of the law that requires people to show legal presence in the United States in order to get a driver's license. Also repealed would be a requirement for further study into facial recognition technology.
After a debate Monday, representatives voted 85-57 to get rid of a part of the law that requires people to show legal presence in the United States in order to get a driver's license. Also repealed would be a requirement for further study into facial recognition technology.
Proposal would give illegal immigrants authority to drive
Wisconsin would join Utah as the only states in the country to give illegal immigrants a license to drive while still preventing them from using the state cards as official IDs, under a proposal before lawmakers.
Oregon lawmakers reject federal Real ID costs
Oregon lawmakers drew a line in the sand Friday: The state will do no more to comply with the U.S. Real ID Act of 2005 unless federal officials send some money to help.
By 39-6 vote, the House approved Senate Bill 536. It prohibits state agencies from spending money to cover the costs of complying with the federal law unless the federal government shares the bill.
Michelle Cole - Oregonian News
Cedillo's California Real ID Act Heads to Full Senate Vote
SB 60, the California Real ID Act, authored by Sen. Gilbert Cedillo (D- Los Angeles) will head to a full Senate vote next week.
Fast-track screening for illegal immigrants launched
The Sheriff's Department will be the first law enforcement agency in California to use a comprehensive system designed to streamline the identification and deportation of criminal illegal immigrants, officials announced Tuesday.
California faces its day of fiscal reckoning
California is looking at a budget deficit projected at more than $24 billion when the new fiscal year starts in July. That is more than one-quarter of the state's general fund.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRGnvPzfCYCa9xXCbo2pS4KfTM4QD98BHNU02
By Juliet Williams -- Associated Press
Pearce seeks to change police immigration policies
One of Arizona's staunchest critics of illegal immigration says politicians who don't aggressively enforce immigration laws should be removed from office.http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/05/21/20090521immig-police0521-ON.html
Associated Press
Cities That Don't Enforce Immigration Laws Should Not Be Branded Sanctuary Cities, Kansas Police Chief Says
Cities where the local authorities do not enforce U.S. immigration laws should not be branded as sanctuary cities because the federal government still has the ability to enforce the immigration laws there, says Topeka, Kan., Chief of Police Ronald Miller.
