If Georgia citizens realized what these anti-immigration bills will do if enacted THEY would run for the border and escape Georgia. The legislation won't accomplish what the public wants but unfortunately it will cost taxpayers and business dearly.
Arizona business leaders are distressed over the situation created by that states anti-immigration legislation. Sixty of Arizona's big company leaders sent a letter to Arizona this week. There is a link to the letter in the Arizona Republic News.
Police resources are already stretched thin. These "new crimes" will distract police focus away from higher/serious offenders (Level I & II) in the community and put the focus on immigrants who may have been riding a bicycle or fishing without a license.
Additionally some of the legislation will further burden the child welfare system when one parent is jailed for one of these "new crimes" and the other is sent to ICE detention.
Some Georgia jurisdictions already participate in the 287g program which has also experienced controversy.
House Bill 59 - Would bar undocumented aka unauthorized immigrants from attending Georgia public universities and technical colleges even if they pay higher out-of-state tuition (as the current law allows). Those paying out of state tuition actual pay more than the costs of the universities, so undocumented students are funding the education of citizens. One argument given by bill supporters is the undocumented take seats from citizens. Those here on Student Visas can attend those same schools. Their families do NOT live here or contribute to the tax base, while undocumented people/families DO pay Georgia taxes.
House Bill 87 - (Georgia's answer to Arizona's SB1070) Multiple components: Mandates E-Verify; ID Theft, with stiff penalties for using giving an invented name and/or for making up a 9 digit Social Security number; Licensed drivers, authorized residents can be arrested, jailed, fined AND have the vehicle seized for having an undocumented adult passengers in a vehicle under the "transporting" provision; "Sheltering" - A husband or wife can be arrested, jailed and fined for providing "shelter" and food to their undocumented spouse - the parent of their children. Same applies to roommate situations. House Bill 296: If passed, would mandate local school and hospitals to count the illegal immigrants they treat. In order to get an accurate count they would have to ask ALL patients for that information. This would be burden on schools AND medical providers as well as PATIENTS. AND likely necessitate costly changes to records systems & databases.
Senate Bill 7: If passed, would ban undocumented workers from collecting workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries. This is particularly troublesome as those injuries now covered by workers comp would still need to be treated. Again burdening healthcare providers. Undocumented workers frequently work positions authorize residents don't want. As a result some are at risk from falls, wounds and exposure to chemicals such as insectides and weedkillers.
Senate Bill 27: Toughens current laws to prevent state agencies and counties from hiring undocumented workers for taxpayer-funded projects.
Senate Bill 65: Would prohibit undocumented immigrants from collecting unemployment benefits. This isn't needed as undocumented people are already prohibited from collecting unemployment benefits.
Senate Bill 104: Has components similar to HB 87 and SB 40. Punishes drivers who pick up day laborers in certain situations. Would allow warrantless arrests of those who police have probable cause to believe have committed 'any public offenses' that make them eligible for deportation.
Senate Bill 174: Would require all jails in Georgia to participate in Secure Communities. The program compares the fingerprints of people booked into jails against a federal database, and if an unlawful immigrant is determined, ICE is notified and may place a detainer on the party. See "Secure Communities" info at ICE.
