Rep Wants Version of Arizona Immigration Law Here
Stephen Beale, GoLocalProv News Editor
Rep Wants Version of Arizona Immigration Law Here
The bill, backed by Democratic Rep. Peter Palumbo, would allow police to check into someone's immigration status if they suspect that person is in the country illegally. Anyone who is not a legal immigrant would be handed over to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill also mandates that businesses confirm the legal status of workers through the federal e-Verify system.
The measure is already sparking accusations of racism and xenophobia.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Congress and the administration’s failure to act on immigration reform has left a terrible void in the midst of a dysfunctional immigration law and policy, and the hate mongers are taking full advantage all over the country,” said Rep. Joseph S. Almeida, a Democrat from District 12 in Providence. “Rhode Island’s General Assembly is attempting to pass its own anti-immigrant bills to make it difficult for immigrants to get driver’s licenses, housing and jobs.”
“This legislation will be denounced by some,” Palumbo said. “But it will also be supported by those who understand that this is not about racism, or racial profiling, or turning our back on the motto on the Statue of Liberty. There is simply no way to protect our citizens and stop the flow of illegal immigrants to our state without enforcing the laws that already exist and punishing those who harbor or hire illegal workers.”
Palumbo said illegal immigration was a factor in three major issues facing Rhode Island: education, health care, and crime.
“This is an issue of fairness, making sure that the many hard-working, taxpaying legal workers in our state are not footing the bill for those who are here illegally,” Palumbo added. “And considering the problems our state is facing regarding the budget, I don’t think Rhode Islanders can pay higher bills that are the result of illegal activity.”