A measure to strengthen the enforcement of existing immigration statutes is being introduced for consideration during the 2008 session of the Kansas Legislature by State Senator Peggy Palmer,R-Augusta.
It’s titled the Kansas Illegal Immigration Relief Act and was drafted with the assistance of nationally-known law professor Kris Kobach.
The purpose of the bill is to provide the State of Kansas with an effective solution to the problems that result from the employment of illegal aliens, the consumption of public benefits by illegal aliens, and the lack of cooperation and coordination between local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The adoption of this bill will benefit the citizens of Kansas through the promotion of fair and equitable employment practices,” said Sen. Palmer.
The illegal alien population of Kansas has been estimated to range from 70,000 to 90,000 individuals.
Costs associated with education, emergency medical care, and incarceration of illegal aliens translates into an estimated $25 million additional tax burden for Kansans.
“The failure to address these important issues at the federal level creates critical shortcomings and difficulties in enforcement at the county and state government levels,” said Sen. Palmer,
“Many states, and most of our neighboring states have passed tough illegal immigration laws. The time is now for the Kansas legislators to honor their sworn oath o office to uphold the Constitution and the laws of Kansas,
“This act will ensure that the benefits, rights, and tax dollars of legal Kansas citizens are protected.” she said.
There are five focal points in Sen. Palmer’s bill:
• A prohibition against public and private employment of illegal aliens.
• Employers will be mandated to use the E-Verify System for new employees.
• Employment identity fraud will be a crime.
• Termination of public assistance benefits to aliens not lawfully present present in the United States.
• Facilitate local and state police assisting the federal government in the enforcement of federal immigration laws through verification of the immigration status of individuals.
“The uncontrolled influx of illegal aliens must be halted. National security begins at home and this legislation will protect Kansas against the foreign invasion that undermines our national security and drains the resources of legal aliens and U.S. citizens.”
“The citizens are demanding that we do our constitutional duty to protect  them from this illegal invasion.
“The immigrants who have come into our country and state legally deserve respect, but those who break our law must not be rewarded with taxpayer-subsidized benefits.” adds Sen.Palmer.
Kansas’ 2008 Legislative Session begins Monday, Jan. 14.