Opposing Groups Agree: No AZ-Style Immigration Reform In TX
AUSTIN (KRLD) - Some groups that are usually on the opposite side of issues are joining together to oppose Arizona-style immigration reform for Texas.
In Arizona, a new law passed last year requires police officers, when enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of those they suspect are in the country illegally. The Obama administration filed a lawsuit to block portions of the law, and the outcome remains pending in federal court.
Dallas Democratic State Representative Rafael Anchia says some of the tough immigration bills won't stand up in court. "It seems like we're reprising many of the same bills, and seeing many of the same bills that have been declared unconstitutional," he argued.
Anchia is also concerned the bills could land the state in court for years to come, cost millions of dollars and won't make the border any safer. "Even if all of them pass they would be ineffective in dealing with our border security concerns that we have. In fact, only at a coordinated federal level can we have a meaningful discussion on these issues."
Texas Association of Business President Bill Hammond also opposes the reform and says some of the bills will hurt businesses and cost money, not only in lost revenue but extra money for new citizenship verification. Hammond says ultimately Congress is the place for immigration reform. "Progress should be made in Washington D.C., not in Austin, Texas," he said.
Supporters of tougher immigration policy claim the state would save millions by not having to spend money on undocumented workers, like it's doing now.
