Immigration bill is facing GOP hurdle

A sweeping anti-illegal immigration proposal from Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, found little support among his fellow Senate Republicans Tuesday.

The measure would make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to get jobs or obtain public benefits. Hickman remains confident he'll find the support he needs even though Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said Hickman's bill needs more work.

"There are things Sen. Hickman (is) going to have to work through to get support, enough support to get it passed," Valentine said after a three-hour closed-door Senate GOP caucus meeting.

And Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. this week told the Deseret Morning News editorial board that he'd take a close look at the economic impact of any such legislation.

Hickman's bill is still being drafted and only what he considers highlights have been released. His concept has earned the support of the Washington County GOP.

"There were some questions, we didn't get into all of it," Hickman said. "People were interested and said they would be happy to look at it."

Valentine said the Senate GOP isn't supporting any bill yet.

"However, Sen. Hickman made a good presentation to the caucus today," Valentine said. "There were a lot of questions, especially on the transportation of illegal aliens provisions."

The transportation provisions would create a Class A misdemeanor for transporting, concealing or harboring undocumented immigrants, knowing or in reckless disregard of their illegal status.

There are political problems, too, with the bill. Hickman is at odds with some members of the Senate Republican leadership, making it likely that even with revisions, it won't be his bill that wins caucus support. Still, Hickman said he's confident that he'll be able to successfully carry the measure.

"If I wasn't confident, I wouldn't run the bill," Hickman said. "At this point, I'm going to run the bill."

Many of the provisions in Hickman's measure could also be considered separately, as some other lawmakers are coming up with piecemeal provisions.

Huntsman told the Deseret Morning News that he's disappointed that Congress has failed to pass a comprehensive immigration measure and expressed concern that a lack of federal action could lead to state efforts that have an adverse economic impact.