Va. Panel OKs Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants

[Derechos]

RICHMOND (CNS) – On party-line votes in a packed hearing room, a House subcommittee has endorsed a legislative package that Republicans said will curb illegal immigration but opponents said may unfairly punish undocumented residents and promote discrimination.

The immigration subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee approved bills to make Virginia’s public colleges and universities spell out their policies against enrolling illegal immigrants; have the Virginia State Police enforce federal immigration laws; require public contractors to verify that their employees are legal U.S. residents; and check the immigration status of everyone arrested in Virginia.
Most of the bills were endorsed on 4-2 votes, with Republicans voting yes and Democrats no.

Nearly every seat in the 204-person-capacity room was taken, and a Capitol Police officer stood watchfully over the proceedings, as the subcommittee considered 17 immigration-related bills Friday. Thirteen of the proposals were approved (or were folded into related bills and then approved); they now will be considered by the full House Courts of Justice Committee.

Delegate Jackson Miller, R-Manassas, reflected the tenor of the Republican majority on the subcommittee in arguing for the employment verification requirement.

“The issue is being framed as one of meanness,” Miller said. “It’s not. If you’re here illegally, I want you to leave. I welcome you back legally with open arms.”

About half the audience applauded; they were called out of order by the subcommittee chairman, Delegate Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock.

The legislation’s opponents were equally impassioned. Danny Navarro of the Latino Student Alliance at the University of Virginia, for example, testified against the proposal to prohibit illegal immigrants from enrolling in state colleges and universities.

“This bill is an attempt to stunt the academic growth of undocumented citizens,” Navarro said.

Gilbert opened the five-hour hearing by admonishing all present to be civil.

“I know these are issues of great importance to a lot of people in the room,” he said. “The two things we’re going to have today are order and civility. I’m going to try to enforce that at all times.”

See rest of article for detailed account of Friday, Jan. 28 hearing http://clarendon.patch.com/articles/va-panel-oks-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants