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Beebe opposes illegal immigration measure Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday he opposes a proposed ballot initiative that would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to receive public benefits in Arkansas. "While I oppose illegal immigration, I cannot support this initiative," the governor said in a statement released by his office. "All of the major provisions it proposes are already covered by federal or state laws, and this ballot title will create bigger government and cost Arkansans money," the governor said. "Passing this initiative would merely re-state these same laws and add additional bureaucracy to Arkansas in the process. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel earlier this month approved the proposal's ballot title and name. Secure Arkansas, the group that submitted the proposal, is trying to collect the 61,974 signatures needed by July 7 to place the proposed initiated act on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Jeannie Burlsworth, chairman of Secure Arkansas, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday afternoon. Burlsworth has said previously the group planned to canvas polling places during today's primary elections. The measure, if approved by voters, would require government agencies at the state, county and city levels to verify the lawful presence in the U.S. of any person 14 or older applying for public benefits. Applicants would be required to swear under penalty of perjury that they are in the country legally. Verification of lawful presence in the country would not be required for emergency medical treatment, immunizations, testing and treatment of communicable diseases, prenatal care or public school enrollment. "We need stronger enforcement of the federal laws that our taxpayers pay the federal government to uphold," Beebe said Monday. The Arkansas Friendship Coalition has said it plans to campaign against the measure if it gets on the ballot. The group opposes punitive measures against immigrants. |
