A Republican legislator is pushing for a state law cutting off public housing benefits for undocumented immigrants even though the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development already requires applicants to prove citizenship or legal residency.
Sen. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, the sponsor of SB 1222, said Arizona has the right to enforce its own requirement.
“We have to take back our state because our federal government is no longer the federal government, it is the national government,” he said Wednesday to fellow members of Senate Government Reform Committee. “And this bill is an assertion by the state to take back its rights.”
While HUD allows households that include legal residents and undocumented immigrants, Biggs’ bill would require public housing authorities to evict all residents from a rental unit if any resident is in the U.S. illegally.
Among other things, the bill would increase the penalty for employees, including supervisors, who fail to report undocumented immigrants receiving benefits from a Class 2 to a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The committee endorsed Biggs’ bill Wednesday on a 5-2 vote, with Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo of Phoenix voting against it.
Sinema said the bill, as an effort to challenge federal authority, could lead to litigation.
“If this passes Arizona will be defending itself in court again,” Sinema said.
Sen. Ron Gould, R-Lake Havasu City, said it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars aren’t being spent to provide housing benefits to undocumented immigrants.
“It’s taking my money and giving it to someone else,” he said. “Under common law, this is called stealing.”
In 2004, Arizona voters passed an initiative requiring state and local governments to verify the identity of all applicants for certain public benefits. Biggs’ bill would list public housing among those benefits.
Anjali Abraham, a public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, said the bill would place public housing employers in a Catch-22 between state and federal law.
“They are in a no-win situation and will have to choose between one law and the other,” Abraham said.
US Citizen posted at 5:56 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Wake up people, this state is broke due to illegal aliens, broken tax system and revenue system. Something needs to be done or we will continue to lose jobs, and big businesses will continue to leave our state. Change is needed and it is needed now.
chan75 posted at 6:43 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Good! It's about time to stop rewarding illegal immigrants for breaking the laws of this country; they do not deserve to live in
public housing at taxpayer's expense.
Better yet, not only should illegal immigrants be unable to obtain jobs here, they should also be unable to obtain housing here as well-any housing.
carolw posted at 7:12 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Yes, they're probably right Arizona will end back in court trying to defend these laws...but ya know what...it's gotta start somewhere. If you are in this state ILLEGALLY then you have no rights. Period. You're not supposed to be here so you have no rights to anything this state pays for. It's sad that the state will have to spend so much money to make these laws have teeth, but so be it. Because it's NEVER going to get better without intervention. And it's steadily been getting worse for a long long time. So.....I will be watching those who reject these types of initiatives come election time and do my best to vote them OUT since they do not have the best interest of Arizona on their agenda.
Blender posted at 7:27 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
[beam]About time. Next, clear out our hospital emergency rooms of these leeches so that those who are here legally can get care in a timely manner.
ofuque2 posted at 7:31 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
I just hope that our Federal government is listening for a change. I agree with everyone that has posted so far, It HAS to start somewhere. We have American citizens on waiting lists for public housing living in the streets while illegal immigrants with "anchor babies" are living in our subsidized public housing. If Pearce's effort to clarify the 14th amendment fails, at least this will take away the public housing option. SOMETHING - ANYTHING has to be done to stop the flow of illegals into our state and country.
Freethinker posted at 7:35 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
"Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo of Phoenix voting against it."
At least now we know where to send the bill for the costs of these illegal invaders.
I hope they've got a trust fund with 12 billion dollars in it. ;)
SethCold posted at 8:05 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Arizona needs the money it would save from illegal immigrants being given free housing. They should have to look into E-Verify to be able to rent. That is what they make employers do. Why not the rental person, or are they just wanting the Federal Government subsidised money they get. Its called "greed"
Fed up with politicians posted at 8:22 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
How does Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo keep getting
re-elected? Democrats that support people here illegally need to be unemployed just like 15 million American workers. These people are writing the laws and now refuse to enforce them. Taxpayers are fed up with supporting people who are breaking our laws by being in this country illegally and draining money from our schools, hospitals, and our government. Enough is enough.
These bleeding heart politicians have no place in our government. They are bankrupting Arizona and the United States.
rrjenn posted at 8:54 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
It just keeps getting better and better. In fact, illegals are leaving in droves for California, Nevada and New Mexico. Getting so bad in NM the governor decided to take action and end the state sanctuary policy. Unemployment in Nevada will reach 20% soon enough.
Fascist Nation posted at 9:21 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Instead of all of this stupid legislation offrd by idiots who can't geet a real job how about a real budget cutting law?
Arizona gets out of the public housing business. Period.
Stop stealing my taxes! Period. But stop stealing my taxes to hand to some landlord who ostensibly will use it to subsidizes his tenants.
No? Unacceptable idea?! I didn't think you wanted to give up your seized power to fleece earners and hand out goodies to friends and family at no cost to yourselves. Being elected Santa and Nero is just too much fun.
Dale Whiting posted at 9:23 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
US Citizen, you say "this state is broke due to illegal aliens." Oh really. And just what facts do you have to support this, or is this another Neo-con opinion. Let's get the facts before we go leaping to conclusions.
Chan75, you say "not only should illegal immigrants be unable to obtain jobs here, they should also be unable to obtain housing here as well-any housing." Do you eat salads? Where so, are you willng to join me this spring in the lower Gila River lettuce crop harvest? Or is it Ok with you that illegals work these jobs? Usually when working those fields, the farmers provide housing on site!
carolw, Blender, ofucue2, SethCold, Fed Up,
You any of you care enough about these problems to join me in the lettuce fields? Thought not!
rrjenn,
The unemployment rate in Nevada has practically nothing to do with illegal alien workers. When the economy dips, people do not travel to Las Vegas. It's Nevada's lack of a diverse economy which places them so high on the unemployment listings. Get the facts, people!
angus2002 posted at 9:44 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
good, this should have been done a long time ago. not fair for tax payers...doing this people who r in real need can get help. they should do the same with food stamps and wic. thats meant to help american families not illegals with one or two u.s. born children. again not right for those tax payers who pay thousands so their money can b used the wrong way!
rrjenn posted at 9:56 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Hey Dale, if 400,000 illegal aliens are working here in Arizona, and 800,000 Arizonans are on unemployment, Wouldn't throwing out the illegal aliens and giving their jobs to citizens out of work cut unemployment in half? Have you any idea how much money we are talking about here? Very few illegals are working fields picking lettuce Dale. The vast majority of them have jobs citizens would gladly do for a fair wage and working conditions.
legalres posted at 10:35 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
@ Dale the who will pick our lettuce tack is old and NO ONE is buying it anymore. Every time I see and article that shows a worker for solar installs, roadwork, homebuilding construction, ETC. it is a Mexican pictured in the story. I worked in the construction trade for 40 years and every one of those jobs is now filled by inexpensive Mexican labor. This artificially holds down the real increase in wages that would have occurred over time if the labor pool had not been diluted by cheap illegal labor. President Obama's own illegal alien aunt was receiving government assistance for lodging, food and services on our dime after staying here illegally for seven years AFTER being denied citizenship. The highest unemployment rate by sector is white males between the ages of 45 and 55 who are in construction related fields. Those are American fathers and husbands who can no longer support their families because of the failed policies of our government as a result of them turning a blind eye to illegal immigration for 30+years. 25 million illegal aliens over 30 years is a bit of a problem. It is TIME FOR ALL CITIZENS TO TAKE BACK AMERICA democrat, republican or independent.
devils66 posted at 11:03 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
dale whiting supports illegal imigration and wants them here at all costs. When Obama frowns on this new bill just like he did Pearce's bill Dale will be right there support Obama like he has from day 1.
Slabside posted at 11:39 am on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Oh yes, more pro-illegal manure from Douche Whiting. I believe Sheriff Arpaio needs to investigate Dale and see if he hires illegals.
Geepers posted at 12:21 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
"If this passes Arizona will be defending itself in court again,” Sinema said."
I would rather spend tax dollars defending what is right, instead of giving away my tax dollars to people who are here illegally.
Slabside posted at 12:30 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Well put Geepers
Rascal53 posted at 12:45 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
This bill is absolutely correct. The Federal rules for citizenship only apply to the applicant. The bill isn't changing that, it's just enhancing it to include the illegal relatives and friends some of the legal applicants allow to move in after they get approved. It's no different from a regular rental requiring that everyone living in the home is listed on the lease. When they find out you have moved someone else in you have to either register them or face eviction. Why should people on public housing be treated any different?
billyg posted at 1:17 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Dale - Illegal immigration costs local Arizona taxpayers $2.6 billion a year, the fifth highest total in the nation behind California at more than $21 billion, New York, Texas and Florida. This includes education, healthcare, the justice system, tax receipts and more.
American Pride posted at 5:22 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo aren't really concerned about litigation... they're just worried that their precious illegal alien friends and supporters will be put out on the street and perhaps have to go back where they came from.
It's about time that we stopped providing housing for people who HAVE NO RIGHT to be living here! Stop housing them, stop giving them jobs (and punish the fools who do) and deport the ones who aren't smart enough to take the hint and go home on their own!
EmperorSmith posted at 6:16 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
What shall it be of course DHS is watching.
Richka posted at 7:29 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Come on guys, just ignore Dale. He is nothing but a heckler and gets off on getting people riled up.
He is not worth wasting your time on. He is either too dense to get the picture or is ractually some Juan or Jose. Either way, he will fade away if you ignore him.
Slabside posted at 11:32 pm on Thu, Feb 3, 2011.
Richka, you're right of course but he is such a douche weasel!
AZMomma posted at 6:39 am on Fri, Feb 4, 2011.
The recent change to NM established policy for illegal immigrants is based on the incoming, rather than the outgoing (Bill Richardson, Dem) Governor.
NM has always been the bi-linguaL State, with their settlement as a Spanish colony going back to the 1600's. Their State consitution is written in Spanish.
The NM border is as porous as Swiss Cheese.
rrjenn posted at 8:41 am on Fri, Feb 4, 2011.
Richka we need to answer their lies every time they say them or people will only see the lie. A lie stated over and over again without opposition will eventually become that which is believed to be the truth.
Rich posted at 12:01 pm on Fri, Feb 4, 2011.
People are out of work, People are losing their homes and the real estate market is in free fall. Could you (inappropriate terms) get your act together, stop trying to micro manage our lives, stop with the nutball causes and handle the situation please
Poorman posted at 2:23 pm on Fri, Feb 4, 2011.
Its about time,especially if our taxpayer money does any funding of this housing.
Richka posted at 7:17 pm on Fri, Feb 4, 2011.
azrepublican....your mother should wash your mounth out with soap. I would even add bleach to it if you were mine.
Masterrogue666 posted at 10:13 am on Mon, Feb 7, 2011.
Dale speaks about facts and makes statements (in a different article) about "phony" gun fights. Hey Dale, practice what you preach!!!
Masterrogue666 posted at 10:15 am on Mon, Feb 7, 2011.
ANY law that will help combat ILLEGAL immigrants getting into, or staying in this country is a good law.
Yeh Right posted at 3:35 pm on Mon, Feb 7, 2011.
The ignorance is in the people who don't really know how the system works. When it comes right down to it the individuals who you all claim to be illegal south of the border are actually more law abiding than some of the individuals we allow to enter this country legally and the ones that are born here, that are collecting benefits and outwardly frauding the government. I know, I have worked with these systems. Why doesn't the Native American population and the Mexican Native population to start deporting individual from this country who pushed back borders, stole land, and defrauded the indigenous people of this country. Who has a better right? I am of European decent. Don't get me wrong, I love this country...but I get tired of individuals who gripe and moan about who should and shouldn't be here. Granted, if you are a criminal and have criminal intent don't bother coming. And those that do commit heinous crimes deport them after they have served their sentence. You complain about lack of jobs and that the illegals (undocumented) are taking the jobs that others could be employed in. WAKE UP America!!! Your CEOs are outsourcing jobs to other countries. That's who to blame. Only reason some of these elected officials complain is that they feel they are losing their cost of living raises each year.
Yeh Right posted at 11:23 pm on Mon, Feb 7, 2011.
[smile] I thought so.
EmperorSmith posted at 12:13 pm on Tue, Feb 8, 2011.
There is no native Mexican population but I love Apaches and if my knowledge of history serves me they loved Mexicans.
Stand on your feet
lucy locket posted at 3:55 pm on Tue, Feb 8, 2011.
I came here legally from Europe and it took me a year and a half of paperwork, background checks, physicals etc before I was even considered. It makes me mad to see these illegals being given a helping hand to not have to do all this.
Also we have to have everything in schools printed in English and Spanish because they don't want to bother learning English, even when they apply for citizenship they get help from Spanish speaking staff (they don't have to even learn English to become a citizen). Why is it then that in certain areas small strip malls are written in Spanish only, isn't that discrimination?
Isn't Arizona an English only state?
And when we had our carpeting renewed it was Mexicans that did the work, one year after and it is all buckling and coming away from the walls, they are not professionals in most areas but are being used because they are cheap and consequently we suffer with shoddy work....but pay the same price. It's hard to find professional workers who know what they are doing anymore.
The law is the law, if I stole something from a store because I was hungry I would be arrested not given a hand out of food.
It's hard to get the laws inforced now as it's been so long that they have been ignored, people thought it was ok when there were not many here but now it is over run with them so much that it has drained our resources so bad we are all suffering, and ontop of that now the illegals think they have rights as they have been allowed to get away with being here for so long without being caught.
lifesucksthankslibs posted at 4:40 pm on Wed, Feb 9, 2011.
Does it not state in the Constitution and other federal laws that it is unlawful to employ, house or aid and abet illegal immigrants (and I don’t care where they are from)? Why are Americans so gullible to just take all this law breaking sitting down. I personally have written and faxed my congressman and senators. The web site Numbers USA allows you to fax for free, provides all the phone numbers for both houses and tells you exactly where your congressman or senator sits on issues.
ernie13x posted at 7:28 pm on Thu, Feb 10, 2011.
Even during this last recession that is far from over, legislators have enjoyed a 16% increase in personal wealth. They're taking more and more of our hard-earned money while we lose our homes, go hungry, and go without health care. I think THAT is stealing under common law. "Let them eat cake?" Sure, if we could afford it! Source:Center for Responsive Government
Masterrogue666 posted at 8:10 pm on Thu, Feb 10, 2011.
Yeh Right wrote: "the individuals who you all claim to be illegal south of the border are actually more law abiding". Like most supporters of ILLEGAL immigration, there's no logic in their statements.
You have made a valid point about big business outsourcing. However, as lucy locket stated, there are BILLIONS of dollars used to assist people that DON'T BELONG HERE, because they refuse to adapt to our society. They are an entitlement minded people that except the USA to adapt to their needs. How about they go back home and make changes there? You want to talk about big businesses sticking it to their citizens, look south of the border...
ernie13x: Very true. However, I heard that there's plans to address that. However, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Yeh Right posted at 9:42 pm on Fri, Feb 11, 2011.
If Masterrogue had read my statement I said "more law abiding than SOME of the individuals we let into this country legally." Lucy Locket states that Arizona is an English only state. Maybe we should be required to speak the original languages of Arizona's Native American population.
Chemehuevi · Chiricahua · Cocopah · Tonto Apache · Havasupai · Hopi · Hualapai · Maricopa · Mohave · Navajo · Southern Paiute · Pima · Quechan · San Carlos Apache · Tewa · Tohono O'odham · Southern Ute · White Mountain Apache · Xalychidom · Yaqui · Yavapai (Kwevkepaya, Wipukepa, Tolkepaya, and Yavepé) · Zuni
Avatar posted at 2:13 pm on Sun, Feb 20, 2011.
I dont care who it is that stands up for these animals you are just stupid, no matter what race. The cost of making things easy for the illegal has taken America downhill and getting worsr unless it is stopped. I agree it does not matter what country they are from take their asses home and make things better. If they can pay money to get here take it and make things better in their country, but they want to destroy America. If they are allowed to build Mosques here we will be giving this country to terrorist, who think democracy is wrong, because they are evil. It is not the will of God kill and dictate.
whonew posted at 1:53 am on Tue, Feb 22, 2011.
Isnt aiding and abetting a criminal and criminal activities a crime ? And since illegals are here "illegally", then they would be considered criminals. Right? So in that case why would the government (HUD)want to assist criminals in their pursuit of defying the American government, its people, and its laws ?
whonew posted at 3:04 am on Tue, Feb 22, 2011.
[scared]