Little did I know three years ago when holding a town meeting in Wayne Township that I would emerge as not only a state leader, but a national leader on immigration reform. Article I Section 8 of our United States Constitution grants the Feds this responsibility, but because of their incompetence and apathy, we have crafted state proposals designed to solve our Hoosier illegal immigration problem. U.S. Supreme Court precedent has said that states are allowed to pass laws that mirror or mimic Federal law. Thus, we will continue to hold employers accountable for knowingly and willingly hiring illegal immigrants, in addition to punishing those that seek to profit from their exploitation.

Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Buss recently informed me that the state of Indiana spends roughly $10 million per year to incarcerate aliens in our prison system. He characterized them as some of the most violent inmates under his care. There is also the cost of educating children of illegal immigrants, providing healthcare, and other living expenses that get shifted to taxpayers. I have written and spoken extensively about this topic.  It is important as we pursue this issue that each and every one of us be mindful of our various ethnic communities.  We need to continue to reach out, reassuring skeptics that this is about the rule of law and our right as a nation to be sovereign. We cannot afford to pay the bills for the world.

Additionally, I will continue to speak out in support of our sister state Arizona as they fight a much more pervasive and imminent problem. The fact that our top US Attorney criticized the Arizona bill without ever reading it is just simply an act of malpractice. And it is sad that our U.S. Secretary of State announced legal action against Arizona while in Ecuador on Ecuadorian television. Americans need to stand up for America and its citizens. Hopefully, our Congressional delegation led by Sens. Bayh and Lugar will more meaningfully engage to resolve the matter. But if not, I will re-introduce a proposal tailored to the needs of Hoosiers that will reduce, if not eliminate, our problem with illegal immigration.

Illegal Immigration Articles by Senator Delph

Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration (PDF)

Enforce Existing Laws on Immigration (PDF)

Senator Delph Guest Commentary on Illegal Immigration Laws (PDF)

Illegal Immigration Exposes Security Gaps (PDF)