Atlanta Weather

| Traffic

Search
Political Insider

If this illegal immigrant bill passes, watch what you say to strangers

1:14 pm January 26, 2011, by jgalloway

Legislation just introduced by state Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, to control illegal immigration is getting some scrutiny.

From my AJC colleage Jeremy Redmon:

Similar to Arizona’s controversial new law, Ramsey’s bill would require state and local law enforcement officers to investigate the immigration status of people they reasonably suspect of being in the country illegally. It would also authorize police to arrest them if they are in the country illegally and transport them to a federal jail….

Ramsey’s bill would also require private businesses with more than five employees to use a federal program called E-Verify. That program seeks to verify that newly hired employees are eligible to work in the United States. A coalition of businesses and immigrant rights groups is suing to stop a similar law in Arizona that requires all businesses to use E-Verify, arguing that it is unconstitutional.

Not exactly pioneering concepts. But below is an excerpt from the press release issued by Ramsey, describing his intent – the legislation itself has yet to be posted online:

”The bill also creates criminal penalties for any individual that encourages an illegal alien to come to Georgia or that transports or harbors an illegal alien once they arrive.”

If this passes, do not talk to strangers — at home or abroad — about what damn fine weather we have here in Georgia, or make reference to how friendly and hospitable this state’s people are. Under no circumstances are you to hum about moonlight coming through the pines. You could find yourself doing time.

Oh – and Greyhound? Call your lobbyist.

Hat tip to Jason Pye on this one.

- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider

For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook.

  • Print

205 comments Add your comment

citizenbychoice

January 27th, 2011
12:27 pm

Yes señor, I understand why you are so mad at me. You are unemployed. I came here last year with nothing and I even didn’t finish high school in my country, but I managed to get a job and do it right. While you were facing foreclosure, I bought the house next to you, a brand new truck and brought my family so I can give them a better future. I remember there used to be a country in which this was enough to get respect from my neighbors. I still believe in that country, but its people has forgotten that they should not take anything for granted. You don’t deserve this country anymore. Until you understand that immigrants -legal or illegal- are people with hopes, aspirations, and contribute to our progress, you will be unhappy. No matter how many illegals you send back home.

Sweet Pea

January 27th, 2011
12:59 pm

Such BS. They have no intention of passing this bill because rural businesses don’t want it. The only purpose this serves is as a blurb on Republican political mail.

Michael

January 27th, 2011
2:16 pm

The “harboring” criminal penalty sounds so Anne Frank-ish.

Michael

January 27th, 2011
2:20 pm

I didn’t really “earn” the right to be here. I was just born.

Oh yes, I'm the great pretender......

January 27th, 2011
4:46 pm

@georgian

January 26th, 2011
1:45 pm
Hmmm. This would make our poultry industry and our farmers criminals.

So be it…….Illegal is Illegal……are you an advocate for lawlessness?

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Show All