(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 28, 2008 - Senate Bill 345, dealing illegal immigration, has now passed the House and the Senate, but due to disagreements regarding the language of the legislation, the bill now moves to conference committee. "It is my opinion that we need to have some legislation that deals with illegal immigration," said Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood). "I've had people tell me that we should let the federal government take care of it, but they've had it for several years and have not done anything. I think it's time, as states, we do something. Several states have enacted laws or are in the process of doing so." A conference committee is composed of members of all four caucuses - House and Senate Republicans and House and Senate Democrats. Each caucus has one conferee and, generally, at least one advisor. They debate the bill, examine any alterations and come to an agreement before returning the bill to the House and Senate for final votes. "The only way I can see to stop, or minimize, this kind of illegal activity is to create some penalties for the employers who hire them, if they cannot find work they will not come to Indiana. There are ways that homeland security can do background checks very quickly and if they're legitimate that's fine if not they should not be hired. "Secondly, we need to take a look at some of the places where they are renting. Ensuring landlords rent only to legal tenets will go a long way toward solving this problem. "There is no quick fix to this problem, but with more work and debate, and some help from the federal government we can reduce the number of illegal immigrants in our country and state." Rep. Burton has aggressively worked to get feedback from constituents on important issues and concerns. He urges the community to contact his office with any questions at 1-800-382-9841 or send e-mails to h58@iga.in.gov. |
