Defend Colorado Now Hails Immigration Bills Signing

Will continue efforts into next legislative session

August 1, 2006

August 1, 2006 (Lakewood, CO): Defend Colorado Now (DCN) commends Gov. Owens in his signing yesterday of comprehensive illegal immigration legislation passed in the 2006 special legislative session.

"This brings Colorado close to the superb Georgia standards for immigration legislation," said DCN co-chair Dick Lamm, "This is a very good beginning."

"HB 1023, which limits state services to illegal aliens, embodies the essence of DCN initiative," said co-chair Waldo Benavidez. The bill is strengthened by requiring use of the federal SAVE program to determine eligibility for benefits. HB 1017 goes beyond the scope of the original DCN initiative by addressing employment of illegal aliens, but should be strengthened by requiring use of the federal Basic Pilot program to verify immigration status. "We will work on that refinement next session," said Benavidez.

DCN plans to support two ballot two measures (HB 1020 and HB 1022) referred to the voters in November to limit tax deduction for illegal alien wages and to demand Colorado's Attorney General sue the federal government to demand enforcement of federal immigration laws. "These measures will let the voters speak on the issue," said Benavidez.

DCN will continue to press for additional immigration legislation next January. DCN Co-chair Fred Elbel noted, "We made a significant impact on illegal immigration this year, due in large part to the overwhelming popular support of our initiative. We will continue to represent the will of the People of Colorado in the next legislative session, where we will work for even more comprehensive immigration reform legislation."

Contact:
Fred Elbel, Defend Colorado Now
PO Box 280289, Lakewood, CO 80228

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