Indiana State Senator Takes Gloves Off For New Illegal Immigration Law

Thanks to the great visitors of this website, we learned that Indiana State Senator Mike Delph (R) recently filed legislation to rid Indiana of illegal immigration. Much like other very tough legislation passed in Arizona and other states, this bill would severely punish businesses who hire illegal aliens.

(STATEHOUSE) — Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) filed one of the toughest illegal immigration measures in the country aimed at punishing those who harbor, transport or employ illegal immigrants. Senate Bill 335 is modeled after laws in Arizona, Georgia, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“It’s time we unite as Hoosiers to uphold and enforce the rule of law.  No longer should we tolerate the failure of the federal government to protect our borders and ensure our national security,” Delph said. “We have a proud tradition in this country of being a nation of immigrants, the great melting pot. But we also have a proud tradition and respect for one of the basic and fundamental pillars of democracy, the respect for the rule of law.  It is intolerable that the Federal government has allowed the erosion of that respect, and as a result, now states like Indiana must stand and offer assistance.”

Highlights of Delph’s bill include:

• Requiring the Superintendent of State Police to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government to assist with enforcement of federal immigration and customs law;
• Prohibiting a person from knowingly employing an unauthorized alien;
• Requiring  the Attorney General to investigate complaints of violation of the law and local prosecutors to file actions against those who knowingly violate the law;
• Requiring a court to hold a hearing, make a determination and:
  • Order the employer to terminate employment, sign an affidavit with court, be placed on probation for three years, order the suspension of all licenses to operate in the state of Indiana if perpetrator fails to sign an affidavit with the court (first violation);
  • Revoke all licenses to operate in the State of Indiana if second offense occurs during probationary period (second violation).
• Prohibiting any unit of government, state or local, from entering into or continuing a public contract with a firm that employs an illegal alien;
• Requiring all hospitals to report total costs of care of the illegal alien population to the Indiana State Department of Health;
• Requiring employers to verify employment eligibility through the federal pilot program after Dec. 31, 2008; and
• Makes it a Class A Misdemeanor against those found guilty of transporting, shielding from detection, concealing, or harboring an illegal alien. Subsequent offenses would be a class D or C felony.

SB 335 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Pensions & Labor on Wednesday, January 16 at 9:00 a.m.

“All citizens who are concerned about illegal immigration are encouraged to come to the Statehouse next Wednesday and voice their opinions during the hearing,” Delph said.

Delph’s second author on the legislation is Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington). They are also joined by Senators Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte), Richard Bray (R-Martinsville), Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville), Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville),  Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso), Jeff Drozda (R-Westfield), Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield), Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn), Brent Steele (R-Bedford), Greg Walker (R-Columbus), Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood), John Waterman (R-Shelburn) and Mike Young (R-Indianapolis).

Delph serves as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, is a Level 2 anti-terrorism trainer as an officer with the United States Army Reserve and has worked on issues of national security since 1996. Delph represents portions of Hamilton and Marion counties.”

Who wants to bet against Delph getting reelected next year?  Any takers?