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Illegal immigration, a seemingly big topic, has come to a halt as most officials are not concerned with it. In both Indiana and Virginia immigration bills came to a halt when officials smacked them down.
In Virginia the General Assembly laid the smack down to a series of immigration bills during its annual session. In surprise these bills were killed after legislators repeated pledges addressing the growing population, brought up in last falls campaign. On Thursday out of 130 bills, only a hand full of them passed. Most importantly bills that would’ve penalized illegal immigrants were denied. Many suspect this is a sign of the lessening of importance of this issue.
Some bills that were passed were denying bail to illegal immigrants that have committed a crime, requiring jails to check legal status of those taken into custody, and prohibiting government contractors from hiring illegal immigrants. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine who has repeatedly said that immigration should be dealt with by the federal government signed off on all 3 of the above bills.
Some of the bills denied included allowing employers to fire workers for misconduct if they spoke other than English, denying illegal immigrants to go to public colleges and universities, requiring drivers licenses tests be in English, and proof of home buyers legal status for mortgages. Delegate Jackson Miller proposed two bills that would require defendants to pay for language interpreters in court and the restriction of using tax payer’s money for services related to illegal immigrants. Neither of which were passed.
The issue of immigration has turned to a fight between the parties. Over the past 2 month-legislation session, immigration bills have hit a new high. More than 100 of the bills came from the republican house, which were approved, but turned down by the democrats, who control the senate.
In Indiana the passing of an immigration bill simply ran out of time. “We just ran into a brick wall,” said Sen. Mike Delph. The gavel was dropped with no action taken place. Members spent most of their time on tax relief and other matters. Immigration was just not important it seems. The bill was similar to that of one in Virginia declaring that no employer shall hire any person or persons if they could not show legal status of residency.
Overall I feel that immigration is a major issue and shouldn’t be ignored like it is. I do like the fact of Virginia passing the bill about stopping government contractors from hiring illegal immigrants. It gives fewer reasons for immigrants to hop over the border if they cannot find a job. I do wish that they would add an extension of deportation of those in custody who cannot prove legal status. Though we denied them having bail and roaming about freely, now we have to worry about them crowding our jails and prisons. I believe that deportation would stop this or at least give them some incentive to not come across the border again. I also feel that Virginia should’ve passed the bill requiring all drivers’ licenses tests to be in English. In fact, I would support the government officially declaring that our national language be English. Why should we have to change the way our lives are to compensate for those who come illegally, I’m primarily referring to those of Hispanic descent that speak Spanish. We change our menus to Spanish, but I believe we should just require them to learn to speak English. In Indiana they should re-propose the bill as soon as possible. Once again, if illegal immigrants could not find jobs they would have no incentive to come over.
Sources:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008803150459
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/14/AR2008031403912_2.html
Well I don’t think it’s the fact that Illegal Immigration isn’t a problem, I think the issue is just that there are more pressing concerns (for Indiana, at least). Who cares about the illegal immigrant if families are being crippled with taxes? That sort of thing.
Also, about changing out national language from it’s current status (none) to English, I could agree with that if we offer English as a secondary language class in public schools (elementary through high school.
Overall a nicely written article, nub.
Well, I do agree with you about the deportation of illegal immigrants who are put in jail, and with the law that doesn’t allow American contractors to hire illegal immigrants. That law as you said would take away the reason that illegal immigrants come to this country in the first place. As for the only language in the U.S. being English, well I really don’t have a problem with Spanish being the second language, I don’t see the harm.
I agree with the part about the prisons. Overcrowding is a huge problem nowadays and there are being almost just as many prisons as schools being built in America. I also agreed with the part that said that all drivers licenses should be in english. This would help root out immigrants.