Immigration bills brewing

A Utah lawmaker who wants to take a tough stand on illegal immigration seems to be garnering support from the GOP — at least locally.

And Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, says the more people he talks to, the more support he gets.

"The federal Congress ... have been unwilling to take the leadership role to get this done," Hickman said. "The states, as a result, across the nation are saying, 'Look, if you can't handle it, we will."'

Hickman is modeling comprehensive Utah legislation after a new Oklahoma law, which is the broadest of 244 laws dealing with immigration passed so far this year in 46 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Two more bills are awaiting gubernatorial action, according to the new NCSL report, which covers bills passed as of Nov. 16.

Some 1,562 bills dealing with immigration were introduced this year across the nation, including in Utah, the NCSL reports.

"In the continued absence of a comprehensive federal reform of the United States' challenged immigration system, states have displayed an unprecedented level of activity," the report states.

The measures listed as being passed by Utah's Legislature weren't necessarily directly aimed at immigration. For example, one new law in the report makes it easier for nonresidents, including legal immigrants, to obtain residency for tuition purposes.

Meanwhile, federal proposals aimed directly at illegal immigration failed this year, including the collapse of a much-anticipated immigration overhaul bill in the U.S. Senate.

Utah Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo, predicts a "very active session" on Utah's Capitol Hill when it comes to proposals dealing with illegal immigration.

"Right now I don't think anyone realistically thinks Congress is going to act," said Bramble, a member of the NCSL executive committee.

"The federal government is such a failure, the states have been forced to do something," Bramble said. "There may be a firmer conviction and resolve to act."

Sylvia Haro, who chairs the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly, hopes that rather than focusing on sending a message to the federal government, lawmakers will look at the impact such measures would have on the state and its economy.

"I agree, we need to secure the border, but what are we going to do with the people here?" Haro said. "There is a demand for the work force."

Next year, Hickman's bill will be among several that lawmakers will consider to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to live in Utah.