Bedford: We need to crack down on immigration

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
Governor Bob Riley submitted three bills to the Legislature last week, each designed to give Alabama the nation's toughest laws against illegal immigration.
Sentor Roger Bedford said that he is willing to work with Gov. Riley to create tougher immigration laws for Alabama.
"I think it's important that we crack down on illegal immigration and to secure our borders," Bedford said.
According to the press release from Gov. Riley's office, the bills will require adults seeking benefits from a state agency to be in the country legally; employers to attest that they do not knowingly employ illegal aliens before their companies could qualify for state economic development grants or do business with state agencies; and government entities to issue and renew commercial and professional licenses, permits and similar authorizations only for those lawfully present in the U. S.
"I think these laws could have an impact on Franklin County…we need to do all we can do encourage legal immigration and discourage illegal immigration," Bedford said.
Alabama is already considered a leader among states in the fight against illegal immigration.
Riley signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that grants Alabama the ability to enforce federal immigration laws. Alabama was the second state in the nation to be granted such authority. Since that time, other states have entered into the agreement, which allows state troopers to receive federal immigration training that permits them to detain and arrest individuals who are in the country illegally, according to the release.
"Alabama will always welcome those who follow the law when they enter our country, but we will not stand idly by and do nothing about those who don't," Riley said.