Tuesday, May 29, 2012

EVERY STATE SHOULD EMULATE MASSACHUSETTES, ARIZONA, ALABAMA

MASS. LEGISLATION TARGETS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR EMPLOYERS
 
A group of Massachusetts lawmakers are pushing legislation that would create stiffer penalties for unlicensed drivers and make it hard for illegal immigrants to find jobs and housing after three traffic deaths involving illegal immigrants since 2009. Even though statistics indicate the problem of unlicensed drivers in Massachusetts is smaller than elsewhere around the country, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been pressured to finally attempt making their state less of a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.

The bill, filed last September, would create an escalating (and pricey) series of fines for anyone driving without a license, and allow the police to require the suspect forfeit his or her vehicle after the third offense. Other provisions deny illegal immigrants state-subsidized housing and penalizes employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants or landlords who knowingly rent to them. The bill would also require the implementation of the federal Secure Communities program allowing law enforcement agencies to share information about illegal immigrants.

However, the bill was not favorably recommended by the Joint Judiciary Committee last month and was given a second extension.

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