Sights set on illegal immigrants
Found in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Written by Mary Lou Pickel
Posted on 2008-02-17

By Mary Lou Pickel
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 02/17/08

Republican legislators have taken aim at illegal immigration this year with a package of nine bills. Some make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to drive cars. Driving without a license would become a felony, and police could seize cars that belong to illegal immigrants who violate traffic laws. Opponents say the bills could subject legal immigrants to harassment and also disrupt the state’s labor supply. Two years ago, legislators passed the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, a law that cracked down on illegal immigrants through employment verification, the tax code and other ways. That law earned Georgia the reputation for taking a hard line on illegal immigration in the face of federal inaction.

—- MARY LOU PICKEL

No license means jail ( Note from D.A. this is SB 350 )

What it does: Makes driving without a Georgia license a felony on the fourth conviction within five years. The offense would carry jail time of one to five years. A similar measure was vetoed last year over concerns that out-of-staters who move to Georgia would be prosecuted if they don’t change their license within 30 days.

Behind the scenes: This year’s version would dismiss the case against anyone who could get a license before their court date. It will affect illegal immigrants more because they cannot get a Georgia driver’s license.

Sponsor: Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw)

Status: Passed Senate

English-only constitutional amendment ( Note from D.A. This is HR 413)

What it does: Would ask voters to approve an amendment making English the official language of Georgia. Would prohibit laws that require the government to use other languages for documents.

Behind the scenes: This may be a crowd-pleaser that could get out the vote in November.

Sponsor: Rep. Timothy Bearden (R-Villa Rica)

Status: Before House committee

No birthright citizenship (Note from D.A. this is HR 127)

What it does: Urges Congress to deny automatic citizenship to children born of illegal immigrants.

Behind the scenes: Congress would have to amend the U.S. Constitution to make this happen.

Sponsor: Rep. Bobby Reese (R-Sugar Hill)

Status: Introduced in the House

Seize vehicles of illegal immigrants ( Note from D.A. Thi sis HB 978)

What it does: Allows police to seize cars driven by illegal immigrants who violate traffic laws.

Behind the scenes: Opponents say it’ll be difficult for officers to verify legal status during a traffic stop.

Sponsor: Rep. James Mills (R-Gainesville)

Status: Before House Special Rules Committee

No sanctuary ( Note from D.A. This is SB 340)

What it does: Cuts money to public employers and welfare agencies that do not run a new worker or recipient through a federal database to make sure they are here legally. Cuts money to local governments that provide “sanctuary” to illegal immigrants or who don’t cooperate with federal officials enforcing immigration laws.

Behind the scenes: So far no Georgia city has declared itself a sanctuary city.

Sponsor: Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville)

Status: Passed Senate

Punishment for illegal immigrants applying for license plates ( Note from D.A. This is SB 25)

What it does: Establishes jail time of one to five years and a fine of up to $5,000 for anyone who lies when applying for a license plate or anyone who helps.

Behind the scenes: Tag agencies sometimes fill out tag renewal forms for clients who are illegal immigrants because there’s a loophole in current law that lets illegal immigrants renew their tag via mail. This bill may make agents think twice.

Sponsor: Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle)

Status: Before a Senate committee

Fees on wire transfers

What it does: Places a 2 percent fee on wire transfers. Allows a transfer company to keep 20 percent of that fee to cover their record-keeping costs. Allocates fees collected to be spent on trauma care programs, such as Grady Hospital.

Behind the scenes: Many immigrants —- both legal and illegal —- send money home to their families in foreign countries. This bill would tax such transfers.

Sponsor: Rep. Tom Rice (R-Peachtree Corners)

Status: Before a House committee

Out-of-state driver’s licenses

What it does: It would be a misdemeanor for an illegal immigrant to drive in Georgia under a license from another state.

Behind the scenes: Would crack down on illegal immigrants who go to other states to get a license because those states are not as strict as Georgia.

Sponsor: Rep. Ben Bridges (R-Cleveland)

Status: Before a House committee

English only ( Note from D.A. This is HR 335)

What it does: Prohibits state agencies from requiring an employee to speak or take training in another language to land a job or get a promotion. Employers cannot favor those with language skills over those who speak only English.

Behind the scenes: Police departments would not be able to require survival Spanish classes from officers or use such classes as basis for promotion. Police agencies say officers need to interview crime victims, witnesses and criminals, and Spanish can help.

Sponsor: Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle)

Status: In Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee