Gov Beebe Fooling Some on Aliens Ballot Initiative

by Debbie Pelley, Arkansas Watch: Beebe says he opposes the initiative; saying it would only duplicate state and federal laws; he doesn’t tell the people that almost any benefit (welfare, health unemployment benefits, food and housing assistance, loans, licenses etc.) forbidden to aliens by the federal government can be given to them by the state - if the state just passes a law to do so. And there are many so called "compassionate" liberals in Arkansas just waiting to do that. . . .

8-USC-Section 1621 (d), reads: "A State may provide that an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States is eligible for any State or local public benefit for which such alien would otherwise be ineligible under subsection (a) of this section only through the enactment of a State law after August 22, 1996, which affirmatively provides for such eligibility.” . . .

The Secure Arkansas initiative would prevent such laws from being passed that allow such benefits. And based on (a) the bills the legislature has tried to pass in the past; (b) the fact that our Governor is not doing anything to curb benefits as several surrounding states have done, and (c) on the fact that Arkansas is one of the top three states in the percentage of growth in recent years, Arkansas needs to be secured by passing the initiative by the people to deny benefits for illegal aliens before laws are passed to expand benefits for them. And the taxpayers will pick up the tab.

And if the federal laws are our safeguard, how did all these sanctuary cities spring up around the nation? How have other states allowed certain health benefits and drivers' licenses, and other such benefits for aliens? And if federal laws are enough, why in 2007 from January to July alone did 170 bills related to immigration become law in 41 states, and why is the same scenario unfolding in 2008 with twenty-six states having enacted 44 laws just from January to March? And how did Governor Huckabee give prenatal care to hundreds of illegal aliens in Arkansas without even a vote in the legislature?

Since Beebe's assertions in his statement of opposition to the initiative were designed to make the people supporting the initiative appear foolish, it is only fair that citizens be given the other side of the story. Considering the federal law ( 8-USC-Section 1621 (d) - which can supersede federal restraints on benefits to aliens, and the number of states and governors enacting laws, Beebe's reasons for opposing the initiative are groundless, unreasonable, and deceitful. Having been attorney general, he surely knows the law. . . . [Read More]

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