State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) said he is planning a six to eight-bill package to protect Alabamians from the impact of federal immigration policy.
Elliott told 1819 News after a trip to the border that he realized the State of Texas had to take matters into its own hands to make it harder to be an illegal immigrant, and that's what he wants to do at home.
"I mean, this is a federal issue and federal immigration policy is not what I'd like for it to be but as an Alabama state senator, I don't get to dictate that," Elliott said. "The Biden-Harris administration is doing a lot of this through executive action, which I have issues with, too."
The federal Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan Program (CHNV) allows up to 30,000 migrants into the country every month.
Elliott said he witnessed Border Patrol processing people from those countries and giving them temporary protective status to work in the United States.
"So, we're allowing that type of immigration from these countries, and it's got people really frustrated, understandably, and nervous," he outlined. "And then you've got all this other illegal immigration that's continuing to happen."
"I would say this: Texas has seen huge reductions in both legal and illegal border crossing because they are apprehending more, and the word has gotten out that Texas state police are patrolling the border," Elliott added. "And by patrolling, I mean, I saw dozens and dozens and dozens of boats that Texas state police has that are watching the border. Once they get into Texas, it's getting increasingly harder to be and live as an illegal immigrant in Texas."
Elliott said he has seen the negative impact of federal immigration policy, even in Baldwin County. He said growth in the county has already presented challenges with infrastructure and public services.
"We've got big problems," he explained. "You can see in uncertain terms we've got a huge migrant population here in Central Baldwin County and in Foley and Robertsdale and Summerdale. Predominantly in those areas, you see that in our schools people are very concerned and we see crime issues."
"While we don't have the influx of Haitian immigrants that they're seeing in different parts of the state, we've got a significant migrant problem here in Baldwin County as well," Elliott continued. "I think it's reasonable to say, 'OK look, we're growing fast enough as it is, we really need to take care of our own here before we swamp the vote, if you will.' You want to help everybody but there's a point where you can't."
The senator said he wants Alabama to pass similar laws to make it harder to live in Alabama for those who are in the country illegally. Some ideas he has are requiring documentation showing legal status to obtain a driver's license, creating a registration process for sponsors for migrants and starting a tax remittance at a higher rate to recoup U.S. dollars being sent to foreign countries.
Elliott said he plans to introduce the bill package in the 2025 regular legislative session unless a special session is called to address the issue.
"I think that a lot hinges on what happens in the presidential election," he added. "I mean, if Trump gets back into office, then, what a sigh of relief as it relates to immigration policy."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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