Adults working in Idaho may be required to prove they are U.S. citizens before they can collect benefits from the state, including welfare or unemployment.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Senator John McGee, R-Caldwell, would amend Idaho law to require state agencies to verify the identification of individuals who apply to collect benefits.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to approve the draft legislation. The proposal will be printed and reintroduced to committee for further consideration before the full Senate votes on the legislation.
The legislation does provide humanitarian exceptions, including emergencies and natal care, McGee said. Federal law still requires hospital emergency rooms accept all patients, he said. The change in law would not apply to minors.
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter expressed his support for the bill in the Jan . 8 State of the State address to the State Legislature.
“While members of our congressional delegation are working hard to [secure our national borders], we must take the initiative here at home to ensure Idaho does not become a haven for those who enter our country illegally,” Otter said. “That’s why I support Sen . John McGee’s proposal to require every adult to prove they are valid U.S. residents before collecting taxpayer-funded benefits. His legislation provides reasonable humanitarian exceptions, and it will send a clear message that Idaho will not harbor those who shoplift citizenship.”
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4 Comments
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There is a pattern in the immigration debate. Not to generalize, but republicans hate immigrants, and especially Latinos. Why is it always republicans pushing anti-immigrant measures. I hope Congress passes comprehensive immigration reform with path to citizenship because the hard-working immigrants deserve it. As for the Republicans-the Latino vote will be gone for at least a generation. Thank god Billy Bob will still vote for you... Comment By Ivan
Thursday, February 15, 2007 @ 8:14 AM
This is not a debate of Rep vs. Dem. As a recent "immigrant" (legal) to Idaho via California, I view this as an issue of whether or not Idaho can support a system of "take-only" vs. "give-and-take." I don't see this as a "hate" issue, but one of fiscal sense. Liberals (normally Democrats, and especially so in a fiscal sense) seem to think that money solves all problems. Republicans (notably fiscal conservatives) seem to have a little more knowledge of simple cause and effect in economics. Giving more money away than what you take in is eventually going to bankrupt you. See Social Security if you need a glaring example. Idaho would be wise to pass this legislation now before the illegal immigration sympathizers have their way here like they have in California. I resent being labeled as a "racist" or a "latino-hater" because I believe in the rule of law. Since this is a principle upon which our nation was built, I believe the needs of the many (legal residents and citizens) outweigh the needs of the illegal few. If you'd like to come to America and nab a piece of the dream, do so legally. By skirting the law, you deserve the consequences of the law: No soup for you. If you have decided to cut in line or enter the store through a side door, you are a LAWBREAKER. Lawbreakers are not entitled to a free pass (unless they're in prison, which, for me, would be a nice alternative if I'm going to have to support illegal immigrants with my dollars). In response to the previous post, Ivan's own ethnic prejudice is evident in his use of terms like "Billy Bob." Oddly enough, there is no "latino" vote. Those "latinos" who have been in America for more than one generation and have hashed out their own "American dream" do not vote en masse for democrats. They know better. Statistics bear this out. A little rudimentary research will confirm this for you. As a Spanish-speaking American, I would've hoped for better from one who accuses others of "hate." Alas, debate is dead in America. It has been replaced by ad hominem attacks and shout-downs from the undereducated and uninformed. Comment By Cosmo
Thursday, February 15, 2007 @ 12:44 PM
I think it was humerous that "Ivan" started his argument with: "Not to generalize, but republicans hate immigrants, and especially Latinos." Not to generalize? Isn't that just what you did? As a personal point of reference, all of the immigrants I know (legal, AFAIK) vote Republican. Even those from France. (See there, I didn't first claim not to generalize - plus, I was kidding) In Ivan's defense, though, "Billy Bob" is the sig for a fairly, um, _passionate_ poster on another thread, who I assume (from his posts) does vote Republican. Comment By Jerry
Thursday, February 15, 2007 @ 12:58 PM
I also think it is humorous that I cannot spell, and consistently forget to proofread until _after_ I hit submit. Comment By Jerry
Thursday, February 15, 2007 @ 1:03 PM
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