2/1/13 - State Senator Joe Hune has re-introduced a resolution that would bar illegal aliens from state benefits, regardless of the circumstances that brought them here. The Senate Joint Resolution K proposes an amendment to the Michigan Constitution that would prohibit undocumented workers who are here illegally from qualifying for any social welfare programs the state and local governments offer, such as direct welfare payments. In making the announcement, Hune specifically targeted those aliens, known as "dreamers", who are up to 30 years old and were brought into the U.S. as children. Last June, President Obama announced a program that will grant that group work permits and a chance at American citizenship as long as they have no criminal record, are currently in school or have graduated or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military. The Hamburg Township Republican says dialogue really needs to take place at the federal level in terms of immigration reform and some discussions appear to be starting up again. He tells WHMI he introduced the exact same version of the resolution two years ago and hopes it will gain traction this time around. "We received many a complaint when I introduced it (previously) but I still believe wholeheartedly that it's the right thing to do." Huneâs proposal follows word this week that national GOP leaders were working on a new effort to embrace immigration reform. After losing badly among Hispanic voters in last year's election, Republicans say they need to address a broken system and repair their standing with Latinos. With that in mind, the chairwoman of the Livingston County Democratic Party says Hune is clearly out of step, even with his own party. She said it's not in keeping with our past as a nation of immigrants to demonize those who are here illegally through no fault of their own. If the joint resolution is ultimately approved by a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate and House, it would then go before voters to amend the stateâs constitution. (JM/JK)
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