« Ind. Gov't - Bill would allow CWIP for nuclear plants, much more | Main | Ind. Decisions - Supreme Court issues one this afternoon »

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Ind. Law - Groups join in "Indiana Compact" to oppose proposed immigration bill

Troy Kehoe of WISH TV reported this morning:

Under Senate Bill 590, filed by Senator Mike Delph (R-Carmel), police officers across the state would be required to ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status if they suspected someone was in the country illegally. Like Arizona's law, the bill also includes tougher penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, and would recognize English as the state’s official language.

Following the national debate over Arizona’s law last spring, Senator Delph told 24 Hour News 8’s Jim Shella that reform is long overdue. He believes immigration is an issue that should be dealt with by the federal government, but says he’s ready to act if they won’t.

"I believe Arizona’s law is constitutional, because the federal government isn’t acting. We need people like Senator Lugar to step up, show some spine, and enforce the rule of law. In the absence of federal leadership, then absolutely--states like Arizona and Indiana need to step in the gap for the taxpayer,” Delph said.

But, others fear Indiana’s proposed measure would lead to racial profiling.

This afternoon Mary Beth Schneider of the Indianapolis Star writes:
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller joined religious, business and education leaders today in endorsing a pact that says immigration should be reformed at the federal level, not the state.

The signing of the "Indiana Compact" by Zoeller and the others comes on the same day that a Senate committee will debate a wide-ranging bill to crack down on illegal immigration. The bill is similar to a controversial law in Arizona, now being challenged by the federal government. * * *

The hearing on that bill, Senate Bill 590, is at 3:30 p.m. in the Senate chamber. * * *

The compact was signed at a Statehouse event this morning. Among other backers are Catholic Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, Rabbi Dennis Sasso, Butler University President Bobby Fong, Marian University President Daniel Elsner, and numerous groups including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Farm Bureau, the Indiana Bankers Association and the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.

ILB note: Zoeller appears to be taking an active role in legislation this session. Monday, as reported by Heather Gillers of the Indianapolis Star, he went on record supporting the HJR 6, the anti-gay-marriage resolution:
Attorney General Greg Zoeller submitted a letter supporting the resolution and committing to defend a constitutional ban against legal threats.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on February 9, 2011 01:45 PM
Posted to Indiana Law