Jeanfromfillmore
05-05-2010, 10:18 PM
Pa. Rep. Proposes Immigration Legislation
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Arizona's new immigration law, signed not even two weeks ago, already appears to be inspiring lawmakers right here in Pennsylvania.
And the controversy surrounding the law is making its way into Berks County, as a state lawmaker is proposing an ultimatum for illegal immigrants.
State Representative Daryl Metcalfe said, under his proposed law, if you're an undocumented immigrant, you have two choices. He says you can leave the state, or go to jail.
Through enforcement, he says that illegal aliens can be sent back to their homelands.
He attributes Pennsylvania's budget deficit, lost jobs and crime rate, to a quote, an illegal alien invasion. He's just proposed legislation he alleges will save taxpayers millions.
WEB LINK: House Bill 2479
Metcalfe says his bill is modeled after a similar bill that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law just last month. Metcalfe's bill would create a new criminal offense for illegal immigrants who don't possess proper documentation; smuggling immigrants for profit; and would also make it a crime for illegal immigrants to apply for work.
But Immigration attorney Anthony Matusano thinks it's ridiculous, unconstitutional and problematic.
He says that victims of crimes are going to not come forward because they're going to be afraid. He adds that people who are sick, maybe have tuberculosis or something like that, are not going to want to go to hospitals that they going to be afraid they'll be arrested.
Metcalfe says he's already working with Constitutional attorneys to win this fight. Others in Berks County vowed they will fight the legislation every step of the way.
http://www.wfmz.com/news/23456018/detail.html
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Arizona's new immigration law, signed not even two weeks ago, already appears to be inspiring lawmakers right here in Pennsylvania.
And the controversy surrounding the law is making its way into Berks County, as a state lawmaker is proposing an ultimatum for illegal immigrants.
State Representative Daryl Metcalfe said, under his proposed law, if you're an undocumented immigrant, you have two choices. He says you can leave the state, or go to jail.
Through enforcement, he says that illegal aliens can be sent back to their homelands.
He attributes Pennsylvania's budget deficit, lost jobs and crime rate, to a quote, an illegal alien invasion. He's just proposed legislation he alleges will save taxpayers millions.
WEB LINK: House Bill 2479
Metcalfe says his bill is modeled after a similar bill that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law just last month. Metcalfe's bill would create a new criminal offense for illegal immigrants who don't possess proper documentation; smuggling immigrants for profit; and would also make it a crime for illegal immigrants to apply for work.
But Immigration attorney Anthony Matusano thinks it's ridiculous, unconstitutional and problematic.
He says that victims of crimes are going to not come forward because they're going to be afraid. He adds that people who are sick, maybe have tuberculosis or something like that, are not going to want to go to hospitals that they going to be afraid they'll be arrested.
Metcalfe says he's already working with Constitutional attorneys to win this fight. Others in Berks County vowed they will fight the legislation every step of the way.
http://www.wfmz.com/news/23456018/detail.html