Posted on 02/15/2006 8:35:17 AM PST by devane617
ATLANTA — Illegal immigrants wishing to wire money home to their families would have to pay an additional fee under legislation approved by the House Tuesday.
The narrowly focused bill took up more than two hours of sometimes-emotional debate, a harbinger of what lawmakers will face in the coming weeks when they take up more comprehensive measures targeting illegal immigration.
The Republican-backed bill, which passed 106-60 and now moves to the Senate, would require anyone wishing to wire money outside of the United States to prove they are either an American citizen or are in this country legally. Otherwise, they would have to pay a fee of 5 percent of the amount of the wire.
The bill specifies that the money collected would be used to help cover the state's costs for indigent health care. However, the provision is not binding because state law allows only certain transportation funding to come from a dedicated source.
Supporters said the estimated 225,000 illegal immigrants living in Georgia are costing taxpayers up to a $1 billion a year in services and are a major factor in overloading public schools and emergency rooms.
"The problem is real, the services that are used are real, and this remedy offers them an opportunity to pay back to the system for these services," said Rep. Tom Rice, R-Norcross, the bill's chief sponsor.
But opponents said the legislation is mean-spirited and seeks to punish hard-working people.
"What we're about to do is tax people who are doing the best they can to provide for their families," said Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, the only Republican to vote against the bill. "I have a moral problem with that."
Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, lectured his Republican colleagues for pushing legislation to allow counties to display the Ten Commandments at the same time they're targeting illegal immigrants.
"You can't insist on having the Ten Commandments hung if you don't live the Ten Commandments," he said.
Opponents also argued that illegal immigration is a federal issue and should be handled by Congress.
But Rep. John Lunsford, R-McDonough, chairman of the Legislature's Immigration Reform Caucus, said the General Assembly is stepping in because federal officials have failed to do so.
"We're trying to solve the problem, because the people of Washington are turning a blind eye to it," he said.
Before the final vote, House members amended the bill to exempt from the fee people who can prove they are paying taxes in Georgia.
However, lawmakers soundly rejected an amendment that would have increased the fee from 5 percent to 10 percent.
"Actually, illegal immigrants using the USPS to mail moneys from the illegal gains in illegal jobs could be considered a federal crime considering the money was earned through illegal means. This would be using the USPS to launder money which is very illegal."
IMHO, the USPS itself is in violation of the RICO Act.
Actually USPS is one of the few government organzations that have drawn a profit for the year.
It's no surprise to me. With the Mexicans lined out the door for money orders.
I am talking about in 2005, not this year.
It doesn't matter what year. They've been lined out the doors at every Dalton Post Office for the past fifteen years. I don't see 2006 being any different.
I had to provide a birth certificate to get a DL when I moved to GA 4 years ago.
ping
I point out how illegal immigrants may being commiting crimes using the U.S. Postal Service and you complain about the Postal Service. What's your problem, some details please?
Georgia wasn't on my list of states to consider relocating to to get out of this cesspool called California - but it is now! Between this legislation being passed (whether it's enforceable or not - it still sends a message to the federal government, citizens, and illegals!) and needing to show a birth certificate to get a DL, Georgia is lightyears ahead of CA.
You are quite right. Most foreign visitors have I94's. Canadians are the only group excempted from this, assuming the purpose of their entry does not require a visa (work, marriage to an American, etc.).
100% correct.
I'm the guy that issues those I-94's.
I've read thru the Ten Commmandments and don't find one that says, "Thou shalt not enforce thy laws."
Opponents also argued that illegal immigration is a federal issue and should be handled by Congress.
Katrina shows what you get when you rely on the feds to act on your behalf.
Well keep in mind in 1994-95 when the Republicans took power in the House and Senate, one of their first acts was to make it that Congress members, Senators and the President had to pay Federal Income Taxes, which up until then was not the case.
That says a lot about the Republican Party in that at least try not to be hypocrites. The try to keep their promises. They try to be honorable. But like everyone, they are human beings and they will make mistakes.
Bump
Verifying an I94 can be quite tedious. I had to replace my SS card a while back. Since I'm currently on a work visa while my green card is pending, I needed to supply my I-94 to the SS office who then check with DHS. Time period was 2 months. Knowing the efficiency and the current heavy workload of Immigration, I could never see an immediate response to an I94 verification request. What are your thoughts on that matter?
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