Georgia News(Week 5)-Illegal Immigrant Controversy

A recent article describes a rally at the Georgia state Capitol calling for legislation that would deny benefits to illegal immigrants. According to the article, Republican leaders promised to make illegal immigration one of the top issues when they convene in January. There is a proposed legislation that will require anyone receiving "state taxpayer-funded benefits prove [they] are a Georgia resident and a U.S. citizen." Cobb County Republican Party Chairman Anthony Scott-Hobbs organized the rally. Scott-Hobbs commented on detractors who feel that the aforementioned legislation will be anti immigration: "It's not anti-immigration. It's anti-illegal immigration." Many speakers at the rally called for action on the part of Gov. Sonny Purdue. Many also feel that illegal immigrants drain taxpayer-funded programs. The proposed bill would not apply to school districts or life-threatening emergencies, although illegal immigrants would not be allowed to enroll in Georgia public universities and colleges. This case is obviously controversial, as it can be viewed as helpful for taxpayers or discriminatory against immigrants. Come January, the case will no doubt become a hotter issue.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/1005/18metprotest.html?cxntnid=amn101805e