SOUTH BOSTON - Delegate Clarke Hogan today announced that he will
support the newly announced Republican agenda to address illegal
immigration issues when the General Assembly convenes in January.
"The burden of illegal immigrants on social program costs in Virginia
and across the nation must be addressed, sooner rather than later,"
said Delegate Hogan.  "These common-sense measures will act to preserve
citizen tax dollars for our own citizens and others who are in this
country legally.  The law-abiding taxpayers of the Commonwealth have
simply had enough."
The package of legislative proposals outlined by the Republicans
included:
Mandating that all local Sheriffs, upon a lawful arrest for a crime,
confirm that person's legal presence in the United States using the
nationwide databases of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  This change will streamline and strengthen statewide immigration
enforcement.
Ensuring that at least one person on duty in every jail at all times
has federal authority readily available to detain and begin deportation
proceedings of illegal aliens upon arrest, after that individual has
served his or her sentence.
Creating a presumption of no bail for any person who has been charged
with an offense punishable by jail or prison time and who has been
determined (through ICE databases) to be illegally present in the
United States.
Making a federal conviction for hiring illegal aliens grounds for
suspension of a business license issued by the Commonwealth of
Virginia.
Prohibiting illegal aliens from attending Virginia public institutions
of higher education unless they have a valid student visa.
"Illegal immigrants are costing Virginia hundreds of thousands of
dollars yearly and it is time we take a comprehensive look at solving
this perplexing issue," stated Delegate Hogan.
This action comes on the heels of previous successful Republican
legislation addressing the illegal immigration issue during recent
General Assembly sessions.
The Virginia Republican Record on Illegal Immigration
Successfully promoting legislation allowing law enforcement officials
to detain certain undocumented individuals for up to 72 hours or until
they are taken into custody by federal agents.
Making it a felony for an individual not lawfully present in the United
States to possess a firearm.
Successfully initiated legislation to tighten Virginia's drivers'
license laws by tying the expiration dates of driver's licenses issued
to legal immigrants or those here legally on a temporary basis to the
expiration dates of their valid immigration papers.
Denying state or local benefits to any person who is not a U.S. citizen
or legally present in the United States.
Delegate Hogan is currently serving his third term representing the
60th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.  The 60th District
includes Halifax, Charlotte, Prince Edward and a small portion of
Nottoway Counties.