Neb. lawmakers advance illegal-immigration bill

Regional News

Sen. Russ Karpicek

BY JEAN ORTIZ Associated Press Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- A compromise bill that seeks to deter illegal immigration has been advanced to the final round of debate in the Legislature.

But following debate Thursday, some lawmakers remained unconvinced that its provisions will work toward curbing the problem and that the bill (LB403) could end up costing the state.

"We ought to be honest about what this bill does and does not do," said Sen. Brenda Council of Omaha, who called the bill "feel-good legislation."

But Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber, who introduced the bill, said it isn't intended to be the end-all solution, but it will allow for some gains, including sending a message to Washington that federal action is needed.

The bill (LB403) has undergone many changes. As it stands, it would require state and local agencies verify the legal status of anyone trying to collect public benefits, including food stamps, unemployment, welfare and retirement. It would not overturn a law that lets some children of illegal immigrants pay in-state tuition to attend a state college or university.

The bill also would require public employers and contractors to check their employees' legal status once hired, using a federal Internet-based system called E-Verify.

Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm raised concerns about what the bill could end up costing the state. He pointed to one report that concluded a similar effort to prevent illegal immigrants from collecting public benefits in Colorado has so far cost that state $2 million and saved nothing in two years' time.

He questioned the lack of evidence that illegal immigrants are collecting public benefits in Nebraska and that laws are already in place to prevent such taking.

Illegal immigrants are forbidden under a 1996 federal law from receiving most state benefits.

"I don't think it will save money, Sen. Haar," said Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Ashford of Omaha. "I don't think that's the reason for doing this."

Haar suggested the bill needs a time limit on the law it would become so that future lawmakers can gauge whether it was worth the state's time.

"We want solutions," he said. "We want the illegal immigration to stop."

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