Though getting tough on illegal immigration was largely an issue for Virginia’s Republican Senate candidates this fall, that does not mean the issue will fade from the headlines now that the Democrats control the chamber.
Democratic lawmakers said there is some consensus on stiffer punishments for employers who hire illegal immigrants and allowing local authorities to detain suspected aliens and turn them over to federal officials.
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“Let’s get together as Democrats, Republicans and Virginians and deliberate about what we can legally do to address this issue,” said Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. “Let’s address this issue without shrill campaign rhetoric.”
Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, has said he could support legislation denying bail to all illegal immigrants, depending on the proposal’s cost. The federal government partially reimburses localities for expenses incurred holding illegal immigrants awaiting deportation, but some lawmakers said the state would not be able to make up the difference.
“Where is the money going to come from?” said Fairfax County’s Richard Saslaw, who will be the Senate majority leader when Democrats take power in January. “The federal government is not going to pay for all of the new space that will be needed in our jails.”
The State Crime Commission, which advises legislators on legal issues, will meet Tuesday to finalize recommendations on immigration legislation for next year’s session. Besides bail denial, the list will likely include giving more power to state and local officers to arrest illegal immigrants, establishing a list of crimes that would trigger automatic deportation and requiring local jail officials to check the immigration status of every person who comes into their custody.
Del. Dave Albo, R-Springfield, fears that even though lawmakers are saying they support stiffer immigration measures, legislative skullduggery will doom any commission proposal.
“I expect most (proposals) will die, but I am keeping up hope,” said Albo, who chairs the panel. “The Democrats only have a one-seat majority, but the leadership can kill a bill without it ever being put to a vote.”
