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State of Texas
Texas State Senator Tommy Williams
News Release
Tuesday, June 26, 2012

 
Statement by Senator Tommy Williams Concerning
Supreme Court's Ruling on Immigration

The Woodlands, Texas ~ The Supreme Court's ruling on the Arizona law, commonly referred to as SB 1070, underscores the consequences of the Federal Government’s complete failure to uphold its enumerated responsibility to secure our nation’s borders. Consequently, state legislatures have been left with no alternative except to address this issue on a state-bystate basis in order to protect the life, liberty and property of their citizens.

During the last session the Texas legislature passed provisions requiring proof of lawful presence to obtain a Texas Driver’s License and expiration of a license when the holder’s lawful presence in the country expired. The legislature also increased funding for law enforcement and homeland security measures in our border regions.

The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 9 during the special legislative session to address the “sanctuary city” policy adopted by some communities in Texas. Had this legislation become law, it would NOT have been affected by today’s Supreme Court ruling. Simply put, SB 9 would have established a statewide policy permitting law enforcement officers to inquire about the immigration status of lawfully detained suspects. The legislation prohibited racial profiling, and contained important measures to protect our civil liberties. Additionally, no state offense was created for being in the country illegally under this legislation.



Jim Guidry Commentaries


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