Senate votes down immigration billHouse measure called error-filled By Yvonne Wenger (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, May 15, 2008
House immigration billCOLUMBIA — In a showdown vote on the chamber floor Wednesday, state senators refused to send Gov. Mark Sanford an immigration-reform plan after arguments were made that the bill is "a paper tiger" and "riddled with errors." The 26-20 vote does not mean reform efforts have failed for the year; it amounts to the latest volley over a red-hot issue that has bounced between the House and Senate, gotten tangled up in negotiations and left the public fired up. "We're about to stampede," Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said as he successfully persuaded his colleagues to reject the House's latest plan. Last week, the House sent the Senate a bill that would require all employers to use state-issued driver's licenses or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's online database E-Verify to check the legal status of workers. McConnell, R-Charleston, argued that enforcing certain parts of the bill would lead to constitutional problems. He also said the House's plan did not set penalties severe enough and that the bill contained a number of errors. He offered an alternative Senate bill that would mirror the House's in most ways but set higher fines for breaking the law, shut down businesses that intentionally hire illegal immigrants and correct the perceived problems. The Senate put off discussion on McConnell's proposal until the senators could become more familiar with the details. It could come up for a vote as early as today. Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, and other Charleston-area senators said they voted to approve the House's plan with the intent to address some of McConnell's concerns in subsequent legislation. Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, who voted against the House bill, raised several concerns from the floor, most notably the potential for real-life implications. "Have you thought about the consequences?" he asked senators. Meanwhile, some senators, including David Thomas, R-Greenville, said they were suspicious that McConnell's proposal could contain a "poison pill." Thomas' concern was raised when a bloc of Democrats, which has opposed reform plans all along, seemed to join McConnell in lockstep. "Something's wrong with that picture," Thomas said. McConnell, who has led the charge for stiff immigration-reform measures on multiple fronts, said the answer is simple. He sat down with opposing Democrats and was told what they wanted, a cushion that protects employers who act in good faith. Then he said he wrote that into his proposal. Next, the Senate leader said he was going to discuss the matter with House Speaker Bobby Harrell and other influential members and try to sell his idea to the Senate. "We're in a logjam and we won't get a bill, but there's a way out," he said. In all, the legislation addresses an assortment of issues in addition to worker verification standards. It also would require jails to verify the nationality of prisoners and ask the federal government for the authority to enforce immigration laws, among other provisions. Let's talk about illegal immigration Listen to eight panelists tackle the issue of illegal immigration and the S.C. bill aiming to reduce the number of undocumented workers. The hour-long discussion will be Web cast live at 9 a.m. Monday on Charleston.net. Panelists will be: Lydia Cotton, Hispanic community liaison; S.C. Sen. Bradley Hutto, D-Orangeburg; North Charleston council member Rhonda Jerome; S.C. Rep. Chip Limehouse, R-Charleston; Diana Salazar, president of the Latino Association of Charleston; S.C. Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-James Island; S.C. Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach; and North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt. Readers may submit questions until noon Friday at jcoley@postandcourier.com. How they voted The state Senate voted 26-20 Wednesday to reject the House's latest plan for illegal immigration reform. Here's a look at how the local senators voted: Republicans for: Campsen, Isle of Palms; Cleary, Murrells Inlet; Grooms, Bonneau; Scott, Summerville. Democrats for: None. RepublicanS against: Campbell, Goose Creek; McConnell, Charleston. Democrats against: Ford, Charleston; Matthews, Bowman; Pinckney, Ridgeland. Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@ postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 40 comment(s)
Posted by JohnS on May 15, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The chamber of commerce made donations at the last min it seems. No one really wants to do the right thing.
Posted by ForPnC on May 15, 2008 at 4:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember this vote.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 4:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The best thing we can all do for ourselves is to rid ourselves of McConnell and Harrell. They are PRO-ILLEGAL and tied to criminal activity with businesses that hire illegal mexicans.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 4:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To your businesses and contractors out there who are using illegal meixicans, we are coming for you. You are going to jail.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 5 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The construction contractor hired to build the addition to the Charleston County Detention Center has a record of hiring illegal mexicans to work on contracts.
There name is M.B. Kahn Construction. Record date back 10 years substantiating violations of federal immigration laws.
Posted by abitskeptical on May 15, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
McConnell "...offered an alternative Senate bill that would mirror the House's in most ways but set higher fines for breaking the law, shut down businesses that intentionally hire illegal immigrants and correct the perceived problems."
OK, so Thomas explain why this is not what we want?
Also please give details for your claim that Harrell & McConnell are pro-illegal & are "tied criminal activity with businesses that hire illegal mexicans". You have made this claim on several occasions so you must think you know something about it.
For the record, I am not fond of Harrell in the least.
I do not agree with everything McConnell says, but I do know him to be "honest & earnest".
Posted by moonpie on May 15, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If that's true "THOMAS" then you can bet these guys are in bed with them.
I know someone that had to go to magistrates court and pay a ticket yesterday. An ILLEGAL went up before the judge. Judge asked do you have a license, he answered back no "green card", judge cut his fine in half! He also was speeding 90mph in a 70mph zone, judge asked how he would plead, ILLEGAL doesn't get it, findly the judge said were you speeding, ILLEGAL says yes, judge asked him so are you pleading guilty, ILLEGAL says yes. Judge gives him the max fine. ILLEGAL GETS IN HIS CAR HE DROVE UP IN AND DROVE OFF, WITH NO DL (in which he just got fined for not having) TOTAL IGNORANCE AND DISREGARD FOR OUR LAWS!
WE ARE A BUNCH OF ASSES IF WE LET THIS CRAP GO ON! I wish I had a day off during the week to go to magistrates court.
Posted by Toots2U on May 15, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is the system so 'afraid' of illegals. Let them go to Mexico for instance, commit a minor deviation of the law. Their butts would be in a jail faster than squat. Once and IF they got out, they would immediately be deported. Also, do these illegals get their pompous attitude because they know the system will not stop them?
Posted by cnast777 on May 15, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This issue will have to be solved via Grass Roots. Business and representatives do not care and nothing will happen. Money is the bottom line. Someone needs to publish a website that lists of known violators (businesses) can be listed. Some awareness may get the public behind this.
Remember, 90% of us do not own businesses and do not benefit from illegal immigration. The economic impact of illegal workers is negligible and their inverse pull on our social programs outweighs that.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 15, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks to me that McConnell had the right thing in mind here. The bill needs to be tough. The employers that knowingly hire illegal aliens NEED to be put out of business, not just given a small fine.
It is sad that our State government can't get this "no-brainer" figured out.
Posted by TOROGSC on May 15, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NO ONE SHOULD BE IN THE US ILLEGAL,GET CAUGHT,SEND THEM
HOME,NEVER GIVE THE ILLEGALS ANY THING FREE,THE MEDICAL
SYSTEM CAN NOT CONTINUE FOR FREE!!!
Posted by wpc3iop on May 15, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a ridiculous group of idiots we have in the legislature...it's what we get for re-electing a bunch of self-serving buffoons...VOTE THEM ALL OUT!
Posted by UrGatorbait on May 15, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cnast that's naive and silly. Take away the illegals and see how much you would be paying for food. They perform services no else will do for the money they are being paid. Start having legal workers do those jobs and watch how it affects the prices.
By your logic most businesses hire illegals. Nice stretch there. If the economic impact was negligible than why are we getting in such an uproar over them taking jobs away from lazy people anyway?
Money is the bottom line but the immigration problem is negligible? Yeah cnast, great logic bub.
Thomas and harpo should get out there and lead the crusade but it's easier to be a keyboard warrior. Keep up the xenophobia boys.
Posted by Larz13 on May 15, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on McConnell, show some leadership, you squish!
Here's a hint--look at Prince William County (VA)'s policy on illegals. That would be a good start!
Posted by greyrider on May 15, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, who voted against the House bill, raised several concerns from the floor, most notably the potential for real-life implications.
"Have you thought about the consequences?" he asked senators.
Are you kidding me?? Sen Ford deserves an award. This is the greatest example in the history of the world of someone "who can't see the forest for the trees."
Yes, senator, the "consequences" would be tremendous.
Posted by Jane on May 15, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That panel they are having on Monday sounds pretty lopsided if you ask me. Was at a meeting a few months back where people stood up and spoke for two minutes each (I did not speak). Every citizen, whether black or white, was very polite and explained why they were against illegal immigration. Race was not mentioned. Then, Diane Salazar, who is on the panel this Monday, stood up and called us all a bunch of racists (for wanting to enforce our immigration laws!). She called herself a Mexican-American. Not an American. She said they (illegals) had a right to live wherever they wanted! Unbelievable. Mexico would not put up with that. They don't allow foreigners to hold any government job at any level.
As far as food prices going up if illegals aren't picking our crops? It would not effect the prices much. In fact, it might make some farmers mechanize and thus bringing prices down. One of the big reasons food prices are going up is ethanol. We are burning our food! Crazy. By the way, we issue unlimited agriculture visas. It is the H-2A visa (www.migration.usdavis.edu). So, when people say our food will rot in the fields without illegal labor...nonsense! They just don't want to do it the legal way and have to then pay a fair wage to the immigrant workers. Criminal.
Posted by theronce on May 15, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone think that this cheap labor does not affect lower and middle income workers by keeping the wages depressed. Jobs that are minimum wage in SC often pay enought in other states to make a living. School bus drivers and custodians in this state cannot survive on what they are paid. Turnover is constant. While Rome is burning, the state legislature plays games. We just bitch and moan year after year...doing the same thing expecting a different result.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 15, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If every single illegal alien in the US was evicted today, and kept out, we'd be better off in the long run. Yes, the cost of living may increase in some areas for the short term, but we'd be better off in the long run.
Posted by bigwhip on May 15, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The House is on the dole of the Chamber of Commerce and the business lobby. This is embarrassing to our State. We need to vote them out.
Posted by greyrider on May 15, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Then, Diane Salazar, who is on the panel this Monday...."
Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke. She needs to be put in a padded room somewhere.
Posted by bigwhip on May 15, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobby Harrell's e-mail address is HSP@schouse.org Let him know the House has let SC down.
Posted by Jane on May 15, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No greyrider, it is not a joke. I was sitting about 3 feet behind her when she said it. She also said they should all be given amnesty. It was also disturbing how the reporter wrote it up. The reporter didn't say who said the racist statement. The reporter said, "Someone in the audience said, 'what is up with all the racism'". Thus, making it seem like people were making racist comments. I think it is significant who said it because she definitely has an agenda. I must repeat, every person who stood up and spoke was very civil and spoke on how illegal immigration has hurt them and how they are concerned for the sovereignty of our nation. One black woman stood up and said she does not like the hyphanated term African-American. She said she views herself as an American. Wish Ms. Salazar felt the same way.
Posted by skyguy51 on May 15, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well guess I know who I will be voting against. There is a website that lists employers who hire illegal aliens. www.wehirealiens.com. It makes for some interesting reading. Maybe if we post some more of the local companies who are violating Federal law, ICE may do something about it.
Posted by hillbilly on May 15, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NO BALLS!
Posted by mcdian on May 15, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How did Diane Salazar get on the commitee.
Most of the people who are fighting this via keyboard are the ones who are working hard. We only have time during lunch or breaks or weekends to fight this.
Posted by Jane on May 15, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good question mcdian. Also, notice how there is now an Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Can you imagine if there was the White Chamber or the Caucasion Chamber of Commerce?
You are right about it being hard for the average person to fight this because of jobs and family. The pro amnesty bunch has groups dedicated to this.
A man from the Chamber was at that meeting as well saying how they needed that illegal labor (ok, he didn't actually use the term illegal). They are working full time for amnety it seems.
Posted by LowcountryMoose on May 15, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's the man who is really in charge of what's going on up the State House:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-vkPCNa6...
Posted by Jerry on May 15, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Panelists will be: Lydia Cotton, Hispanic community liaison" We DONT need to hear this person! Of course she wants ALL doors free and open to illegal’s; medical, education and welfare. The dumbing down of South Carolina.
Robert Ford. How are you representing YOUR people? You sell-out! “In two years time Mexicans will be telling you what to do, they will be signing YOUR paychecks" - Pastor Manning. Thanks to Robert Ford cheap illegal labor is competing for the jobs of his constituents. Keeping the salaries of the people FORD promised to represent down to dirt! For the good of SC you need to loose your run for re-election.
Do they think we are so stupid as not to realize the two tier system? That sucking sound you hear is our infrastructure being sucked away from South Carolinians into the black hole while our representatives are putting up a front.
Come on people. Our country is holding on by a Red, White and Blue thread. Someone needs represent we the people. These worshipers of illegals must know they are helping to destroy America!
"Require all employers to use state-issued driver's licenses" South Carolinians by law must provide a birth certificate and social security card when applying for a SCDL. Are illegal’s awarded the privilege of a SCDL without these certified documents? Someone PLEASE answer this question.
Is there a real news reporter left that could get an answer to the question?
Are illegal’s awarded the privilege of a SCDL without the certified documents required of Americans?
If illegals are awarded the privilege of a SCDL, then the proposed requirement of all employers to use state-issued driver's licenses as citizenship conformation is an INSULT to us!
Pandering Buffoons
Posted by Jerry on May 15, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Senate votes down immigration bill"
A vote in favor of the illegal aliens is a vote against America, her people and her laws
-Jerry
Posted by sunshine on May 15, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a federal issue and our General Assembly would be well advised to spend their time and our money working on important state issues like the budget and growth regulation . . . but it makes good press for the "far right" who are fearful of anyone who differs from them in any way . . . do you think they know that there were parts of Summerville and Charleston that were known as "Germantown" . . . we will all pay for this extra burden on business
Posted by stand828 on May 15, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vote against all incumbents...
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 15, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wpc3iop you are an idiot!!!!
you said... "What a ridiculous group of idiots we have in the legislature...it's what we get for re-electing a bunch of self-serving buffoons...VOTE THEM ALL OUT!"
the vote was 20 to 26!!!!... a certain amount had to vote the way you would have.... yet you want to get rid of them all... probably the only way "your candidate" could win!... you liberal commie anarchist... go away!!!
Posted by moonpie on May 15, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
stand 828 you got it right. We need to all agree to vote and vote out any incumbent. Send a clear message no matter what party you belong to.
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 15, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we need to vote moonpie's oxygen supply away from him.. he is depriving an intelligent person of fine air...
Why all the incumbents moronpie??? some of them had to vote the way you would have.. and somebody may be running unopposed???? throw a little monkey wrench into your evil plans!
Be a man.. say who you want out and who you want in so we can laugh in your funny face!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All these many many months gone by. And they still refuse to punish those who employ illegal mexicans.
In the meantime:
Apartments being constructed next to Costco in West Ashley - noted dozens of mexicans working on the construction site the other week.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
moonpie,
You need to post that judges name that let that illegal mexican walk out. The public needs to know. The judge took an oath to defend the constitution and laws. And by letting that illegal walk without having him detained violated that oath. Hence, the judge lied when swore to uphold and defend.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 15, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
eyeinthesky,
How many illegals are you transporting?
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 16, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomass1776...
Ummm None... but 20 senators voted for the bill.. yet you all want them Ousted too... it makes no sense!
Posted by angels_unaware on May 16, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NO, immigrants are not given priveleges of getting SCDL. It is very hard even for a LEGAL immigrant to get a SC driver's license! Last year, one of the Riverdogs baseball players we know from Venezuela or Dominican Republic had to go to the DMV over and over again, because every time he went with the documents they said he needed, it was never good enough and they always said he needed something else. I don't think that poor guy ever got a license, even though he was perfectly legal. How frustrating for him!
Posted by eyeinthesky on May 16, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
true Angel... yet Thomass knows everything... Not everyone that drives with out a DL is Illegal... He is however in violation od SC Law, and that is the charge the Judge is hearng. It is not the Judge's job to ask, Thomass, we need that separation between the arresters and the judgers. He handles the case in front of him! Why are you not calling out the cops that arrested him. Thomass... please go away! you are so wrong on everything... so much for the blind squirrel theory!