Immigration is a huge topic in Texas and many agencies, advocacy groups, and blogs are dedicated solely to this extensive issue. Immigration is a complex issue because “the United States has never developed an immigration the effectively grapples with the global forces that drive migration. Ad hoc efforts to respond to certain effects of global migration have consistently failed to deal realistically with the problems and blessings of migration. “ (Chacon, 2005).
For the purpose of this blog I would like to give a basic overview of some of the bills that have been submitted to the 82nd Texas Legislative Session.
For the purpose of this blog I would like to give a basic overview of some of the bills that have been submitted to the 82nd Texas Legislative Session.
This bill authored by R- Debbie Riddle will create a law in which employers that hire an illegal resident can face prison sentencing. The controversial exception in the law is for someone working “exclusively or primarily at a single family residence” such as maids and landscapers. Riddle states that the law is aimed at large businesses and corporations who knowingly hire illegal employees. Employers would have to prove that they made a “substantial effort” in verifying employees‘ working status. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? If this bill is passed it will increase state prison population by an estimated 4,000-20,000, costing the state $1.2 million. With our current budget crisis, what makes one think that ADDING costs would be a good idea? Luckily the bill has been left pending in committee since 4/13/2011 and hasn’t made much progress.
The bill would create the legal offense that illegal aliens would be considered trespassing and create procedures for arresting these individuals. Again, this would increase our prison population, costing the state money it cannot afford. The status of this bill is that it is still in committee.
This bill is written by R- Leo Berman who is known for his outspoken racism. This bill states that children born in the United States with neither both parents citizens of the US will not receive birth certificate. When applying for a birth certificate, two spaces will be added to the form asking about the parents’ citizenship. Children will receive a “notice of birth” in place of a birth certificate. This is a clear violation of the 14th amendment which states “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside” If this bill is passed it will most likely be quickly reversed by the courts and seen as unconstitutional.
Another bill written by Leo Berman. The bill, if passed, would deny any illegal alien the right to be in any Texas Court. An illegal alien could not file a lawsuit, and if filed against, could not counter-claim or cross-claim. Such a person could not request that the Court provide him/her with legal or equitable relief which plain speakingly means that the person could be sued, but would be prohibited from answering the lawsuit. The fact that this bill is even proposed is insane and will almost certainly be deemed unconstitutional.
This is another bill is submitted by R-Debbie Riddle. The passage of this bill will require that public schools keep track of the immigration status of their students. When enrolling in school, families must submit a copy of birth certificate or other proof of residency “for inspection” prior to entering the school. If families cannot provide the proper documents then they will be denied the chance to receive a free education. Preventing the education of any child in Texas is inherently unconstitutional. Schools would become law enforcement and immigration agents instead of educators to our children.
Also filed by Riddle, this bill would require that state agencies report the costs of providing benefits to undocumented immigrants. Local governmental entities that receive state grants would also be required to submit that information to the grant provider. The purpose of this bill is to keep track of spending towards services for undocumented citizens and could play a major impact on future funding.
Look up these bills and keep track of their progress!
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/
Look up these bills and keep track of their progress!
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/
Chacon, J. (2005). Misery and myopia: Understanding the failures of u.s. efforts to stop human trafficking.
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