Published: October 07, 2007 09:47 pm         

Delegates join national group on illegal aliens

CHARLESTON, WV — Convinced the lessons of 9/11 should guide public policy, three West Virginia lawmakers are teaming with those in other states to combat illegal immigration as a means of shoring up national security.

State Legislators for Legal Immigration, a coalition of lawmakers across the nation, has welcomed as new members Delegates Linda Sumner, R-Raleigh, and Kelli Sobonya and Carol Miller, both R-Cabell.

“With the tragedy of Sept. 11, the assault of terrorism on our nation, every possible measure should be taken to secure the safety of our citizens,” Sumner said Sunday.

“This is a major concern to the constituents whom I represent and I believe we must have a dialogue with other lawmakers nationwide.”

Sumner decried the failure of any meaningful policy although the debate over illegal aliens has raged the past three years.

“Meanwhile, our state and federal tax dollars are being strained due to illegal immigrants using welfare, Social Security and other programs,” Miller said in a statement.

“West Virginia must follow the example of Oklahoma, Georgia and Arizona enacting state legislation that will enable us to curb these illegal immigration problems.”

Founded by Daryl Metcalf, a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the coalition seeks full cooperation among all levels of government to keep America’s borders free of invasion.

The group now has members representing law-making bodies in 31 states.

Sobonya said the group is necessary because Congress has failed to resolve the problem.

This year, the West Virginia Legislature enacted the undocumented worker bill that penalizes employers for hiring workers in violation of state law. The measure was pushed in the House by Delegate Orphy Klempa, D-Ohio.

Sobonya said the state needs to follow the lead of other states in curtailing the use of public programs and assistance by illegal immigrants.

“Protecting our borders is vital so we may protect our families, jobs and the nation,” she said. “America is a melting pot made up of citizens who have immigrated from all over the world. However, those who seek to live and work in our great nation should come here legally, and as law-abiding citizens.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com