NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. --- House Republican leaders unveiled an immigration reform plan Monday that would bill the federal government for the cost of detaining illegal immigrants and prevent them from attending any public college.
"I've heard a loud message from South Carolinians all over the state and they are overwhelmingly saying we need to do something," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, who estimated that there are 75,000 illegal immigrants in the state.
The actual number of illegal immigrants is difficult to determine. The latest Census estimate puts South Carolina's Hispanic and Latino population at roughly 130,000. Advocates say it's probably more than three times that.
Changes to the state's immigration laws have failed to pass the Legislature in recent years.
"We believe the time is now -- that the public has made it very clear they want this dealt with," said Mr. Harrell, R-Charleston.
Under the plan, the state would seek an agreement with the federal government to enforce immigration laws and be reimbursed for training officers and detaining illegal immigrants. The proposal would also restrict state money for communities declaring themselves sanctuary cities, which aid illegal immigrants without reporting them to the authorities.
There are currently no sanctuary cities in South Carolina.
"The bill makes it clear you can't as a city or a county supersede this state law," Mr. Harrell said. "I was chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for a number of years. It's amazing what the state budget and dealing with revenue can cause people to think about."
The plan also makes illegal immigrants ineligible for most public benefits, except for disaster relief, domestic violence services and emergency medical care.
They also would not be allowed to attend or get scholarships from any public college.
It's unlikely illegal immigrants are receiving scholarships, though, because proof of residency is required, said Julie Carullo, a spokeswoman for the state Commission on Higher Education.
Comments
Our leaders have a long way to go, but this is a start. The fed government needs to change the law, just because you were born here makes you a citizen. It needs to state only if your parents are LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. And having a baby does NOT constitute an emergency.
...another issue to fix! While filling out the forms at my doctors, (i had an appointment) an illegal mexican comes in with his son. The father could NOT speak ENGLISH. The son barely spoke English. They walk in NO APPOINTMENT mind you and they are immediately taken back to see the doctor. I asked the receptionist about this protocol, she says he has no forms or ID therefore she did not have to look up any info on him. I on the other hand am a legal resident, work and have insurance. As an AMERICAN TAXPAYER I AM OUTRAGED with this unfair treatment. Fix this too!
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