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Illegal Immigration
Below are some examples of legislation that has been passed in states to combat illegal immigration. It's important to emphasize that the overwhelming majority of those (like myself) who are concerned about illegal immigration are not racist or xenophobic. We are merely concerned that our economy and infrastructure cannot support the levels of mass illegal migration that we're currently seeing. In addition, we believe this phenomenom places downward pressures on the wages of American workers -- this includes workers who are white, black, hispanic, gay, straight, etc. We will not be mischaracterized by the political left who wants to portray us as prejudiced or vindictive. This has absolutely zero to do with our very real concerns about draining of resources and impact on wages.
Georgia statute (OCGA) 42-4-14
Perhaps the most important action our state legislature can take is to enhance enforceability of laws that are already in place to combat illegal imigration. OCGA 42-4-14 sets out that a reasonable effort should be made to determine if a jailed individual is in the United States legally. If the individual doesn't have proof of lawful status on his/her person, a query shall be made to the Department of Homeland Security. If the individual is determined to be a foreign national who is in the United States illegally, DHS shall be notified.
Currently, this statute does not provide a clear penalty for jailers who refuse to follow the law's requirements. Writing a concrete penalty into the statute would be a simple way to improve compliance.
Arizona statute 11-1051
This statute sets out that no "official or agency of this state or a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state may limit or restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law." It also allows any Arizona citizen to bring an action in court if this statute is violated. The civil penalty that the official or agency must pay (if the citizen prevails in court) is up to $5000 per day. I believe this would be an excellent option to make sure officials like our sheriff in Gwinnett allow his deputies to help with enforcement.
A potential Georgia statute could even specifically require county sheriffs to participate in the ICE program 287(g), which makes it easier for deputies to detain illegal immigrants. For rural counties that can't afford the 287(g) training, there is also a less burdensome version called the Warrant Service Officer program.
Arizona statute 13-2928
This is a creative Arizona law that makes it more difficult for businesses to evade laws against hiring illegal aliens. It does this by hindering their ability to pick up day laborers in their vehicle.
Georgia statute (OCGA) 16-11-200
This statute makes it unlawful to knowingly and intentionally transport an illegal immigrant in a motor vehicle for the purpose of furthering the illegal presence of the alien in the United States. Currently, it also requires that another crime is simultaneously being committed by the party at the same time, but I think we should at least discuss some alterations.
You could provide carve-outs for contractors, etc. so that we could focus this law on groups who are intentionally bringing illegal immigrants to Georgia from the southern border and/or helping to distribute them across the state. There is strong evidence that this is happening across the country right now, being facilitated by Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). There’s no reason to think it isn’t happening in Georgia, as well.
Currently, this law provides exemptions for government employees or those being directed by government employees. I think we should consider revamping these exemptions to dissuade the DHS and NGOs from flouting America’s immigration laws and distributing illegal immigrants within our state. Crafting law -- while ensuring it is Constitutional and stands up to court challenges -- undoubtedly takes a diligent effort, but I know I am up to the task.