This was in the Eagle today:

Kansas bills will target illegal immigration

jayhawk · Newbie

City adopts official language

uniontrooper · Member

Congrats and a pat on the back to the commission. We speak English in this city and country.

redd rover · Senior Member

Thank you again for taking the opportunity to take a step in the right direction. Even though it means you had to defend your position, it makes a statement that ENGLISH is our language of choice in this city. It is too bad that you have to defend this move, but kudos to those of you that had the courage to stand up and do the RIGHT thing. This is just a small step, but it was a step. Lets not stop there, as time goes on we need to continue our quest, for our children and grandchildren.

City defends means of passing language

By FOSS FARRAR
Traveler Staff Writer

City commissioners today defended passing a resolution saying that English is the City of Arkansas City's official language.

The Commission passed the resolution unanimously and quickly although it wasn't on the printed agenda. The measure adopts a state law that was put into effect last May, making Kansas the 30th state to declare English as the official language for published material.

"It came up at the work session (Monday), and we decided we wanted to affirm (the state statute) as a city," said Commissioner Patrick McDonald.

McDonald said affirming state statutes is nothing new for the City of Arkansas City. "The state changes all traffic ordinances each year and we mirror those changes as a city," he said.

"I think it's a good thing: It focuses everything down to English," McDonald said. "If everyone learns to read, speak English, it will make us a unified society."

That is right Mr MC, unification is what we need!

Commissioner Mell Kuhn said he "firmly believes" passing the resolution is the right thing to do.

The United States is one of the few places in the world where road signs, laws and other printed material all in one language -- English, he said.

It's OK to put up "No fuma" (No smoking) signs in an elevator in southern Texas for visitors from Mexico, he said, but not have to have official documents printed in multiple languages.

Asked why the resolution needed to be adopted locally, the two commissioners said it would help ensure that local government would run more smoothly.

"You've got to stand for something somewhere," Kuhn responded. "If it's pointless, so be it. That's a good place to make a stand. It's a core belief."

Those who believe it is pointless are the minority, they like it, as it was for a reason. That should tell you something. Bravo!!

City Manager Doug Russell has said the matter would not result in any changes in the way the city operates.

Russell said today he sees nothing illegal or unethical with how the commission passed the resolution. Even though the issue wasn't on the printed agenda, it had been discussed in a work session. "They brought it up under miscellaneous," he said.

An attorney who consults with the Kansas Press Association said there is nothing illegal in passing a resolution that is not on the printed agenda.

"Agendas are just organizational tools," said attorney Mike Merriam. "There are no statutes that require agendas to be followed."

But for entities not to follow agendas "is not very smart" way to operate, he said.

jayhawk · Newbie

Do you folks think that the English language is going to disappear from this country or off the face of this earth if states and cities don't adopt these "official" credoes? What "quest" are you qorried about?
The English language is not going to disappear.

And do you think by "adopting" it, that people will be able to learn it faster? No, it will still take a few years for people from other countries to be able to read a legal document in English. Heck, it's hard for most Americans to understand all the information in legal forms.

redd rover · Senior Member

City's actions don't help assimilation of immigrants

TRAVELER VIEWS

We have two problems with the City Commission's actions to formally support English as the official language of Kansas.

First, Why? There are many reasons, have you ever tried to serve a court paper to someone that completely doesn't understand english? How many countries have you ben in that have all signs in every launguage? If we cater to the Spanish population, then why not Russian, Polish, Mid East, Asian? When the Asian population expanded in the US in the 70's did you see the recordings the US say..........press one for English and two for Laotian? No we did not. No one is denying that they can be here, if legal. Sheesh. They need to speak the language, that starts with learning it. I will defend the Commission as many of the citizens will.....

It won't change how the city operates, according to City Manager Doug Russell. The city will continue to provide interpreters at court proceedings and could still publish materials in Spanish or other languages. (Although from the way some commissioners talk, they want to change that.)

What it does do is send a message of distrust of foreign language speakers and panders to the negative emotions over illegal immigration.

I am not, and have not been objecting to foreign lauguage speakers.....and from what I have seen there are no other posters that do as well. We would like to insure the fact that if they are here, they are legal, and pay taxes and share in the burden that makes this country/state/city/county run. To do that they need to understand the language, will they be able to vote unless they can understand the ballot? Without knowing English can the understand the workings of the court system? Like Jayhawker said in a past post, it is hard enough to understand that type thing. Without an interperator it makes it impossible. But if we make it easier for them to not learn English, we are enabling them to change our system. In past experience there are many Hispanic speaking persons ready and willing to translate for those who need it in court, most for a fee. I would think if foreign speaking people want to insure they are fairly dealt with in legal situations they would learn the language.

Instead of deepening the English-Spanish divide, the city should welcome Hispanic residents and help them assimilate. In Ark City, Hispanics have replenished a shrinking population, expanded payrolls and occupied homes that would otherwise fall into blight.

I wasn't sure that this was deeping an English-Spanish divide....as I see it the commission was confirming what the State of Kansas already has confirmed that English IS our official language. Nothing more nothing less. We will continue to have the expense of keeping translators on call for every need from paying water bills to making traffic stops. Right now, it is already easier to be employed by the city if you know more than one language.

Second: This was done rather quickly and without proper time for public input.

The proposal was not on the published agenda for the City Commission meeting Tuesday night. It was discussed at the workshop the night before.

Commissioners have two weeks between regular meetings. Why was this resolution not placed on the written agenda for the public to fully digest it?

The appearance is that it was done to avoid publicity and perhaps push back from Latino activists. The method was legal under the Kansas Open Meetings Act, but that does not make it right.

This is not unusual for the commission is it? It seems that I remember hearing complaints about other decisions they have made in the past on this very subject. So, I don't think we can pin point just this one subject as being flown under the radar.

We have no doubt that many, if not most, of the people in Ark City would support this move.

Arkansas City's influx of Hispanic workers for Creekstone's meatpacking plant and other jobs has created some cultural tension.

For the most part, though, the citizens of Ark City have adapted well, and history shows that Hispanic residents assimilate over time.

This divisive action doesn't get us there any quicker.

I would suggest if the Traveler supports this catering to foreign born immigrants speaking their native tounge, they need to go the the expense of producing it's paper in more than one language. It may help them with circulation and be more profitible...Just an idea......

motherof2 · Senior Member

Think of the employers in our community... They no longer have a legal obligation to cater to Spanish speaking employees. They do not have the added expense of translating all company documents into multiple languages. I think this is good for business and the community. I am sorry if Spanish speaking peoples are offended by this decision, but this has been the language or our country since its birth. The Bill of Rights and Constitution were not originally written in Spanish, right?

david · Newbie

Redd Rover makes some good points reference the Traveler editorial opposing the commission's actions. Since I wrote the editorial, I'd like to make a couple points in response to that post and others on this topic.

1) Remember that the action doesn't change anything. It was a purely symbolic move.

2) It is possible that promoting English and insisting that people learn English will force folks to learn English. Sometimes fences work.

3) But what if the city took the other tact? What if it implemented a concerted effort to hire bilingual employees, or teach employees some Spanish. What if there was a liason or something like it to the immigrant community or an office of new residents (some small communities in Nebraska, I believe, have done this) to promote integration of the new residents? What if the approach were a welcome mat? Would that not bring more people into the fold of the existing culture and language? Is it possible that the "learn English" lectures might make Spanish speakers more secluded and enclaved instead of integrated?

4) Conducting some business in Spanish is probably a great idea to capture this new market -- look at Home Town Rental. They've expanded to Ponca and Winfield. The Traveler did publish a Spanish language publication several years ago and could in the future ... I think the Hispanic population is expected to be 15 percent in the next several years.

I do appreciate the other view on this important debate, especially from those who do not sink into stereotyping and fear-mongering of immigrants, illegal or not.

David Allen

Elee · Veteran Member

Dave I believe what the commission was doing was to make it a point to let the citizens that are worried that their lives are changing...saying....."I know you are concerned about your life changing and this is one thing that is of least risk to assure you that you are not forgotten." You can say what you will of this "breath of fresh air", they have brought into the community, the bottom line is we are an english speaking country. Learn the launguage. Jobs at the court house, hospital, Drs offices, stores, will be taken by those bilingual, not by those who may be more qualified. Jobs will be taken by those who speak both languages, and not by those who have made this area what it is in years past. I have no problem with competing for jobs with those who come to this country to make a better life for themselves.

There has been so much bad press on Mexican flags being hoisted up and flying with the American flag or above the American flag, Can you not see the uncertianty it causes? A good reason to learn the language is the legal aspect of living in a country you can't read or speak the language.When driving down the road in front of a police officer and not stop when the red and blues are on, because you are frightened, then don't exit the vehicle as instructed because you don't know the language, then can't tell the officer where you live because you don't know how to tell them, is not only dangerous, it is a great risk. You may say if the officer knows Spanish there would be no problem. I say, the officer that has trained and honed his skills for years could be out of the mix just because he doesn't know Spanish in years to come. Does that mean the he needs to learn Spanish just to appease those who don't or won't learn English? I think not.

You make reference to Hometown rentals.....Do you shop there? Have you bought anything lately there Dave? One of the reasons they are so popular is, they offer what no other appliance store does around this area. 90 days to 180 days same as cash. They cater to the customer. Granted they do supply a Spanish speaking person to help with sales, but the reason Jesse has done so well is because he caters to the customer, English or Spanish, he doesn't tell them things to "just sell merchandise". Give him some credit, he is just a good business man. There are so many low income to moderate income people in this area, he has honed in on that market. He has taken the risk of being a rental store, an appliance store and furniture store as well. Yes, he does cater to the Spanish speaking customers, but he also caters to any customer, like I said he is a business man. He would be sucessful even if we had very few hispanics in our area. He has outlasted all of the big name rental stores because he sells for a fair price and is an honest business man. Please don't play into his sucess as being because he supplies Spanish speaking sales clerks.

As far as the population being 15% in the next few years, you may be right. If so the so be it. But one thing for sure. When I go to the store I expect to be spoken too in English, If not I will not shop there. When driving down the street of Arkcity I expect to see the American flag being flown.....anywhere but the Mexican consulate. When I read the local paper I expect to read it in English, if not I have no reason to be an active member of this community. If I can't understand the language of my birth in my home town then it will be time to relocate to a place they do enforce the laws, and create laws not for the comfort of those who aspire to change this community to make it more comfortable for them.

The next step to this is to pass a law like our neighbors to the south have done. Yes as Gov Henry says, this should not have to be a state burden, it should be a Federal law, but as most of us know right now we have one of the most incompetent President and vise President in office right now, not to mention the rest of them in Washington, Dem or Rep. They are all floundering right now. They are so busy fighting each other they can't see the forrest for the trees. We can't rely on them to lead us right now, so the states and the cities will have to step up to the plate. All we have to do is see what they are made of. The Arkcity commission took the risk of taking a small step with the English as the official launguage. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thank you Dave for trying to show the pros of this topic. When the job market picks up and the poverty level around here is not as high I and some others will maybe buy into to other ideas in regard to some of these issues. I say onward to the next step by the state.

New Oklahoma Law Takes Aim at Companies that Hire Illegal Workers

By Diane Adams

The Governor of Oklahoma, Brad Henry, signed into law, on May 9, 2007, the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Relief Act. The Act is designed to foster enforcement of existing federal immigration laws. Considered by many to be toughest state immigration action to date, the legislation contains sweeping reforms aimed at controlling illegal immigration in the state.

After reluctantly signing the bill, Henry commented, "Illegal immigration is a very serious national security issue that must be addressed at the federal level, states can take some actions on their own, but until the U.S. Congress enacts a comprehensive, national immigration policy, citizens will see little progress on this issue."

While the debate continues over whether or not immigration issues should be handled by state and/or local governments, and federal reform attempts which could solve many state and local complaints driving independent attempts at immigration control are seemingly losing steam, the Oklahoma law is scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2007.

For public employers and companies that do business with the state (contractors and subcontractors), hiring in Oklahoma has become more complicated. The bill contains provisions designed to prevent the employment of illegal immigrants, one of which is to require every public employer to verify the legal work status of new hires by entering them into a "status verification system" (the Department of Homeland Security's Basic Pilot Program, an electronic database designed to verify that an applicant's name and Social Security Number match.) Companies must sign up to use a status verification system by July 1, 2008. The law is not retroactive regarding employees hired before this date. The bill states in part:

Every public employer* shall register and participate in the Basic Pilot Program to verify the work authorization status of all new employees. No public employer shall enter into a contract for the performance of services within this state unless the contractor registers and participates in the Basic Pilot Program to verify the work authorization status of all new employees.

* A public employer is defined as "every department, agency, or instrumentality of the state or a political subdivision of the state".

Along with the mandate of Basic Pilot use for these employers, the bill goes on to assign employers the responsibility of withholding state income tax at the rate of six percent of the compensation paid to an employee who does not present a valid Social Security Number, as well as containing provisions to protect citizens and legal immigrants who lose their jobs at companies that employ illegal aliens to perform similar tasks.

The legislation also makes it a felony, accompanied by fines and possible jail time, for anyone caught knowingly transporting, concealing, harboring or sheltering an illegal alien.

Although the impact this bill has on employers is limited in comparison with the State of Colorado's recent legislation, Oklahoma has made a clear statement that it will not accept the knowing employment of illegal workers. It remains to be seen with what degree of vigor and in what manner the state will approach the enforcement of this measure.

AC1st · Member

Elee is correct. The next step(s) may come during the next session of the Kansas House that starts in January. It will be brought up but it may not pass. If it isn't like Oklahoma's or Missouri's, it probably won't make any difference anyway.

As much as many of us would like to do more at the local level, ultimately the Feds need to figure things out. Since that doesn't look like it will happen any time soon, we are looking for something to happen at the state level. Locally, enforceability becomes very difficult because we don't have the resources, especially when there is no support from the feds.

I also understand the welcome mat. It has its place, but not for someone who is not in this country legally. This is not a question of nationality, race, or whether you are a foreigner. This isn't a question of treating someone humanely. Fairness and assimilation are part of the picture. But frankly, I don't think we should be trying to assimilate someone who is illegal. That just makes them harder to find. I also can't see how they should be entitled to benefits that should be reserved for TAXPAYERS. My question is: since when did illegal mean something other than illegal? You can call that race-baiting if you want, but it's actually a question of: do you think we should uphold our laws and apply them equally or not?

redd rover · Senior Member

City adopts official language

By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor

City commissioners adopted a resolution declaring English the official language in Arkansas City at their meeting Tuesday. The measure adopts a law the state passed earlier this year which recognizes English as the official language for published material.

This still allows, but does not require, official documents to be published in languages other than English.

City Manager Doug Russell said the matter would not result in any changes in the way the city operates.

Commissioners have discussed this issue in work sessions, and decided Monday night to put it on the agenda. It was not on printed agendas Monday night.

City Attorney Tamara Niles said currently documents are produced in the person's native language if requested for court cases.

"We do want to make sure people understand charges against them," she said.

Not many other documents are currently produced in other languages, but the city does provide interpreters when necessary.

The state law was signed into effect in May of this year, making Kansas the 30th state to make such a declaration.

The city's action just affirms what the state passed Mayor Dotty Smith said.

In other matters commissioners:

* Decided they are not ready to go forward with adoption of economic development policies.

The policies have been in the works for several weeks, but commissioners had questions and concerns, so the matter was tabled. They will have a special meeting at noon Oct. 31 at City Hall.

The policies would give direction to businesses that want to move to Arkansas City. Having set policies would reduce confusion, commissioners said.

A comprehensive economic development policy will let potential businesses know where they stand when seeking incentives from the city.

The process of making application for tax incentives would also be streamlined under the proposal.

* Passed a proclamation designating October 2007 as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Arkansas City.

* Passed a resolution authorizing sale of land bank property, lots 25-30, Block 2, Maple Park Addition, 522 E. Linden Ave. The land is appraised at $1,980. The land was put out for bid when a neighbor made the request of the city, which is what city policy requires.

He was the only bidder, and his bid was below the appraised value. Commissioners said they would sell him the land if he were willing to pay the appraised value.

* Passed an ordinance authorizing vacation of right-of-way on Brown Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets.

This is a street that was planned, and is on city maps, but was never developed. The city will retain a right of way for utilities.

* Voided unclaimed warrant checks from 2005. There were nine checks totaling $417.16. Russell said the city has tried to contact the people. If those people come to the city and request a new check, they will be given one.

* The city also passed its monthly appropriations ordinance, which authorizes the paying of its bills. It was noted that the city is paying William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield to do health screenings for potential employees. Russell explained that the exams are not available from any medical facility in Arkansas City.

This is a start, now lets keep going on some of the other things that are important as well.

Elee · Veteran Member

I have been keeping a close eye on this Immigration law in Oklahoma. It is interesting for me to see how it will go. This article came from the Tulsa media.

Injunction Sought For Immigration Law

AP - 10/29/2007 2:42 PM - Updated 10/29/2007 2:43 PM

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Attorneys will ask a federal judge Wednesday to put a hold on a new law that would crack down on illegal immigration in Oklahoma. A federal lawsuit challenging the law, which goes into effect Thursday, was refiled last week. It added eight undocumented residents who plan to testify that they will face eviction from their landlords unless they provide legal identification, such as a social security card, as required by the new law.

The other plaintiffs include the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and two churches.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James H. Payne dismissed the plaintiff's first lawsuit, saying they could not prove the law damaged them. The hearing on the preliminary injunction is set before the same judge.

"If the judge does not do the preliminary injunction, here's a primary example of eight people who will be evicted," said Rohit Sharma, attorney for the plaintiffs.

Considered one of the toughest in the nation, House Bill 1804 creates barriers for undocumented immigrants to receive public benefits and jobs. It also makes it illegal to transport or harbor illegal immigrants, making violations a felony punishable by a minimum of one year in prison or a $1,000 fine.

Sebastian Lantos, a court-certified Spanish interpreter and Tulsa community activist, says House Bill 1804 will cause the economy to suffer and further divide the community.

Thousands of Hispanics already have left the city ahead of the new law taking effect.

"The worst thing to me is that we lost a sense of belonging to the city," Lantos said. "We see our neighbors leaving, we see the unfairness.

The mentality of the community has to change," said Lantos.

The author of the legislation, Representative Randy Terrill, R-Moore, said Monday he remained confident the bill will hold up in court.

"We're talking about a group of people who have had five or six months to plaintiff shop, forum shop and judge shop to find somebody who is sympathetic to their cause," Terrill said.

Last month, five Democratic state lawmakers asked Attorney General Drew Edmondson to clarify several provisions of the measure. Because there were about two dozen questions, an opinion from the office appears unlikely before Thursday.

To learn more about House Bill 1804, click here.

These undocumented folks are headed somewhere, maybe here? or some place like here? if they were legal they would stay and show proof of residency, Oklahoma is making history, what happens here, will make a difference in how every state in the union will go eventually. I find it interesting to see how this progresses. No foul, no fear. I think it would suprise you how many illegals are here in our midst. Creekstone brings van loads of workers in from other county's to work every day. Do they require proof? The cotton gin does the same thing only they rent houses for them to live in while working here. It would be interesting to know just how many are hired with out proof.

S23246G · Senior Member

I wish Kansas legislators had HALF the guts the Oklahoma ones are showing right now.

And where do you think all the illegals that are driven out of Oklahoma are going to end up? They are going to go someplece where apathy reigns supreme, and illegals are treated as a colorful new culture to appreciate and learn from.... someplace where the prevailing attitude is that their money spend the same as the legal citizens.... someplace with a packing house that doesn't worry too much about checking legal status... someplace just like here!

motherof2 · Senior Member

Cessna recently caught some illegal immigrants working in their facility. They had actually been living in Wichita and employed with this company for many years. At least one of them is sitting in prison right now for charges I'm not exactly sure of. It has something to do with defrauding the company and the government about their citizenship status. There was one at Rubbermaid who was found after several years of employment, also. My husband and I knew these people personally, and had no idea they were illegal immigrants. The sad thing is that they were both good people and very hard workers and what I would consider friends. However, they were breaking the law! One or two may not be a problem and easy to forgive, but allow this to the thousands who are here or are on their way and you have a devastating effect to our ways of life and economy. At one time, I did not support the amnesty bill. Once giving it more thought, maybe it is not completely off track. I think our government should allow citizenship to those who are willing to go through an intense screening process and crack down on those who would rather be here without permission. Can you imagine the man power it would take to get this done, though?
Anyway, in the mean time we as a city or state can do our part. If they had no place to work or live they would not be here illegaly. I have personally talked to the HUD agency in Kansas and found that illegal immigrants rights are not protected under the fair housing act. Landlords and homeowners have a right to refuse housing to them. Honestly, I'm suprised to find this out. Pleasantly, suprised...

Elee · Veteran Member

Below is a summary of Bill 1804 of Oklahoma, I can't see anything on there that should be taken as a direct insult to anyone who is "legally" here in the US. I can see however, it could cause discontent to those who want to harbor, hire, or transport illegals.

Summary

HB 1804 SENATE AMENDMENTS (SUMMARY) BY TERRILL OF THE HOUSE AND WILLIAMSON OF THE SENATE

SECTION 1: TITLE. Creates the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.

SECTION 2: FINDINGS. Legislative statement of intent that failure to enforce immigration law harms the safety and welfare of citizens and legal residents of Oklahoma. Declaration that the State has a compelling interest in insuring that government agencies and employers fully cooperate in the compliance with and enforcement of federal immigration law.

SECTION 3: FELONY TRANSPORTATION & HARBORING OF AN ILLEGAL ALIEN. Replicates in state law the federal statute making it a crime to move, transport, or attempt to transport persons known to be illegal aliens within Oklahoma. Replicates in state law the federal statute making it a crime to conceal, harbor, or shelter from detection in any place within the State persons known to be illegal aliens. Provides an exception for the transportation or harboring of illegal aliens if its associated with the provision of any benefit guaranteed to illegal aliens by federal law, or regulated public health services provided by a private charity with private funds.

SECTION 4: LAWFUL PRESENCE TEST FOR DRIVERS LICENSE & ID CARD APPLICANTS. Restricts eligibility for state drivers licenses and identity cards to citizens, nationals, and legal immigrants. Allows legally present nonimmigrants to be issued temporary licenses and ID cards valid only for the period for which the nonimmigrant has been admitted to the U.S. Provides an exception for schools IDs, as long as the school ID clearly states that the document is only valid for identification purposes at the institution where it was issued.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION OF CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION STATUS OF PERSONS ARRESTED. Requires jail officials to attempt to verify the citizenship or immigration status of any person arrested or confined through the federal Law Enforcement Support Center operated by U.S. DHS. Requires foreign nationals who have not been lawfully admitted to the U.S. to be deemed a flight risk for bond determination purposes.

SECTION 6: DEFINITIONS. Defines the terms status verification system, public employer, subcontractor and unauthorized alien for the purposes of Section 7.

SECTION 7: VERIFICATION OF WORK AUTHORIZATION BY PUBLIC EMPLOYERS, CONTRACTORS & SUBCONTRACTORS. Requires all public employers to register and participate in one of two federally implemented verification systems to verify federal employment authorization of new employees. Prohibits public employers from contracting for services with contractors who do not participate in a verification system to verify the status of all new employees after July 1, 2008. Prohibits contractors or subcontractors from entering into contracts with public employers unless they participate in a verification system to verify the status of all new employees after July 1, 2008. States that its a discriminatory practice for an employing entity to discharge a US citizen or legal resident alien while retaining an illegal alien, hired after July 1, 2008, in a comparable job as the discharged employee. In order for such a discharge to be considered a violation of this section, the employer had to know, or reasonably should have known, that the retained employee was illegal. Any employer using a status verification system to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires after July 1, 2008 is exempt from any liability arising from this section. No cause of action for violating this section can be brought against an employer, unless it arises from the provisions of this section.

SECTION 8: VERIFICATION OF LAWFUL IMMIGRATION STATUS FOR STATE & LOCAL PUBLIC BENEFITS. Requires all state and local agencies to verify lawful presence of applicants for state or local public benefits using the federal SAVE system. Provides exceptions for certain emergency and humanitarian public services designated by the U.S. Attorney General.

SECTION 9: WITHHOLDING OF INCOME TAX FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS WITHOUT VALID SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS. Requires individual independent contractors to show their contracting entity documentation to verify employment authorization, or the contracting entity must withhold state income tax at the top marginal income tax rate. Any contracting entity who fails to do this is liable for the taxes that should have been withheld. This section applies only to business relationships between individual independent contractors and contracting entities, not employees and employers.

SECTION 10: COOERATIVE IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT BY STATE & LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. Authorizes the State Attorney General to negotiate a memo of understanding between Oklahoma and the Department of Justice or Homeland Security regarding enforcement of federal immigration law in Oklahoma. Prohibits any local government in this state from passing an ordinance or law restricting the ability of a law enforcement officer or government employee to communicate or cooperate with federal officials regarding the immigration status of anyone in the state. Prohibits any government official or entity in the state from restricting another official, entity, or public employee in the state from sending or receiving information regarding the immigration status of any individual to or from the Department of Homeland Security. Establishes a private right of action for any individual in this state to file for a writ of mandamus against any local or state government agency not cooperating with the provisions of this section.

SECTION 11: GENERAL PROHIBITION ON ELIGIBILITY OF ILLEGAL ALIENS FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION BENEFITS. Prohibits individuals not lawfully present in the country from receiving postsecondary education benefits or resident tuition. Provides an exception per the provisions of Section 13. States that the provisions of this section do not apply to any student enrolled in a college for the 2006-2007 school year or any prior year who received resident tuition per current law.

SECTION 12: ESTABLISHING A FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS IDENTIFICATION UNIT AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. Contingent upon funding, DPS shall establish a Fraudulent Documents Identification Unit.

SECTION 13: SPECIFIC PROHIBITION ON ELIGIBILITY OF ILLEGAL ALIENS FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION BENEFITS. Allows a person without legal immigration status to enroll in an institution of higher education and receive resident tuition, only if they have: ? Graduated from a state high school; ? Resided in the state with a parent or legal guardian while attending a state high school for at least two years before graduation; ? Met the admissions requirements of the college; ? Provided the college with a copy of a filed and pending application or petition for legal status; or ? Provided the college with an affidavit that they will file such an application as soon as they are eligible, but in no case later than one year from the date that a process for legalization is available to them; ? If such an affidavit is filed, they have to provide the college with a copy of a filed and pending application or petition for legal status no later than one year from the date that a process for legalization became available to them. No student shall have to meet additional conditions for resident tuition who qualified for resident tuition per the provisions of a previous version of this law during the 2006-2007 school year or any prior year.

SECTION 14: EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date November 1, 2007.

Elee · Veteran Member

This was in the Eagle today:

Kansas bills will target illegal immigration

BY ROXANA HEGEMAN

Associated Press

Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Kansas are drafting separate bills targeting illegal immigration amid fears about a potential influx of illegal immigrants from neighboring states that have already started cracking down.

Across the nation, at least 127 cities and states have passed or are considering local laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration, according to a database compiled by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, a project of the Center for Community Change, an immigrant advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.

In Kansas, some people are concerned that illegal immigrants may move here from Oklahoma, Colorado and Missouri, which have passed laws or instituted policies aimed at illegal immigration.

"I don't believe Kansas should become a sanctuary state as other states continue to pass legislation," said Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita.

If the federal government isn't going to solve the illegal immigration problem, she said, then states have to step in.

Her proposal, which is still being drafted, is based on laws in Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado, Landwehr said. It would revoke business licenses and impose civil penalties on any Kansas business found to have employed an illegal immigrant, enforce federal law denying public benefits to illegal immigrants and strengthen local enforcement efforts.

The measure also would impose civil and criminal penalties on illegal immigrants and prohibit Kansas municipalities from becoming "sanctuary cities" by opting out of state immigration reform, she said.

Among Democrats, Rep. Ann Mah, D-Topeka, is circulating a measure that would focus on employers who hire illegal immigrants, imposing state penalties for businesses that do.

Her proposal also would revoke state licenses for employers caught knowingly hiring illegal immigrants, require more state reporting by employers and limit tax breaks that employers who hire illegal workers can claim on their state tax returns.

"It is clear we need more workers in Kansas, but we need them to be legal, earning a fair wage and paying taxes in Kansas," Mah said.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius hasn't said whether she would support anti-illegal-immigration legislation. Her office issued a written statement saying the governor would consider any future legislation on its merits.

"There is a real need for comprehensive immigration reform and better border security. Unfortunately, Congress has not taken action on this issue and states are forced to deal with it on our own," Sebelius said. "I expect that until Congress passes legislation to address our porous border, backlogged naturalization system and work-force shortages, this issue will continue to be a topic of serious discussion."

Sebelius signed a bill this year designed to make sure employers don't hire illegal immigrants and misclassify them as independent contractors.

The Pew Hispanic Center has estimated that 40,000 to 70,000 illegal immigrants live in Kansas, based on 2005 census data. But there is little evidence, other than scattered anecdotal accounts, of huge numbers of immigrants now fleeing to Kansas because of immigration crackdowns in neighboring states.

Greenpiece · Veteran Member

had to come back here and do a retake after all the recent hooplaaaaaa

me2 · Veteran Member

Yeah and I am sure it will start stirring up a few bees in the bonnet again.

I have been keeping a close eye on this Immigration law in Oklahoma. It is interesting for me to see how it will go. This article came from the Tulsa media.Injunction Sought For Immigration Law

This was in the Eagle today:Kansas bills will target illegal immigration

BY ROXANA HEGEMAN

Associated Press

I have been keeping a close eye on this Immigration law in Oklahoma. It is interesting for me to see how it will go. This article came from the Tulsa media.

Injunction Sought For Immigration Law

This was in the Eagle today:

Kansas bills will target illegal immigration