Thursday, March 31, 2005

House Elections Subcommittee kills immigration bill

KnoxNews.com reports that a measure increasing the immigration review responsibilities of state and local government in Tennessee was defeated in the House Elections Subcommittee.

"The measure would have required proof of citizenship to vote or receive government benefits, unless those benefits are mandated by federal law."

"Further, it would require all employees of state and local governments who become aware of an immigration violation to report it in writing to federal authorities. Failure to do so would be a crime punishable by a fine of up to $2,500."

"State Election Coordinator Brook Thompson, who was called upon to testify, said he knows of no cases in Tennessee where an illegal immigrant has tried to vote."

"The only person to speak in support of the bill was Patricia Heim, a former Davidson County election commissioner, who said a television reporter in 2000 had compared voter registration rolls with a list of immigrants and found at least one noncitizen registered to vote."

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