Lehigh Times

Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) held a press conference at the Capitol to discuss his proposals aimed at addressing the issues caused by illegal immigration in Pennsylvania. Emphasizing the need to tackle this problem at both the federal and state levels, Mackenzie outlined six bills currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Mackenzie highlighted the importance of enforcing existing federal laws and utilizing state government data on citizenship. He stated, "We want to make sure an individual is here lawfully and not doing anything illegal."

The latest figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection reveal a concerning increase in encounters at the southwest border. In October 2023 alone, there were nearly 241,000 encounters, representing a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2022 and a significant 46% increase over October 2021.

One of Mackenzie's proposals, House Bill 1714, aims to protect vulnerable children from labor exploitation. The bill seeks to strengthen Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act by imposing stronger penalties on employers who exploit children and implementing cross-reporting requirements to safeguard unaccompanied minors. Mackenzie expressed concern about the alarming 276% increase in child labor cases in Pennsylvania since January.

Another bill, House Bill 274, would require all public contractors and subcontractors to use the federal E-Verify system. This measure builds upon Mackenzie's previous work in Act 75 of 2019, which mandated the use of E-Verify in Pennsylvania's construction industry. The goal is to prevent illegal immigrants from undercutting wages and taking away job opportunities.

House Bill 1066 proposes that the Pennsylvania State Police notify the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General of attempts by illegally or unlawfully present individuals to purchase firearms. This measure aims to enhance public safety and prevent those who are not authorized to be in the country from obtaining firearms.

Mackenzie's House Bill 1840 seeks to prohibit Pennsylvania municipalities and counties from designating themselves as sanctuary cities, thus impeding federal efforts to combat illegal immigration. The bill aims to ensure the enforcement of immigration laws is not hindered at the local level.

To improve the accuracy and integrity of voter registration records, House Bill 1883 proposes a simple and effective cross-reference with the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. This measure aims to enhance the overall integrity of Pennsylvania's elections.

Lastly, House Bill 1890 aims to clarify the voter qualifications provisions in the Pennsylvania Constitution, specifically prohibiting noncitizens from voting in elections at any level in the Commonwealth. This bill seeks to ensure that only eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.

Mackenzie expressed his commitment to working with his colleagues in the House to advance these bills, which address the problems caused by the federal immigration crisis in Pennsylvania. For more information about these proposals, visit Representative Ryan Mackenzie's website or Facebook page.

RepMackenzie.com / Facebook.com/RepMackenzie

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.repmackenzie.com/News/33282/Latest-News/Mackenzie-Discusses-His-Proposals-to-Crack-Down-on-Illegal-Immigration-in-Pennsylvania--