Widely considered the most far-reaching and powerful legislation to crack down on illegal immigration in Georgia, Senate Bill 104 was authored by a familiar face to immigration reform.  State Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) has proposed SB 40 as an Arizona-style enforcement policy targeting the areas of employment, public benefits, public safety, and public services.

“During my campaign last fall I made a promise to my constituents that I would fight to ensure Georgia can effectively enforce illegal immigration laws and protect our legal state residents,” said Mullis.  “Since 2006 when I helped the Georgia General Assembly pass what were at that time the strongest illegal immigration enforcement laws in the nation, our state has dealt with continued problems.  It is clear law enforcement needs more resources to combat this growing and prevalent issue in northwest Georgia and the entire state.” 

SB 104 was written by Mullis to make sure all options are on the table as the Georgia General Assembly moves forward with comprehensive reform legislation.  Mullis wanted a straight-forward, easy-to-understand measure that if enacted into law would have simple policies for law enforcement to follow and enforce.  The bill seeks to give law enforcement additional tools and more flexibility to determine the legal status of any person in Georgia.  It also prohibits local governments from blocking the full reach of federal immigration laws already in place. 

In terms of employment, SB 40 would strictly prohibit any employers from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens, including contractors and subcontractors.  This bill empowers the Georgia Attorney General to investigate any alleged violations of this policy.  Starting in 2012, SB 40 would require every employer in the state to utilize the federal E-Verify system to keep records of employee’s verification.  Failure for employers to abide by the proposed laws would result in the possible suspension or termination of their business license.  This, Mullis stated, is to ensure every job in Georgia is being given to a legal resident of the U.S.

Mullis’ legislation would make it a crime for any person in Georgia that does not have their registration laws, which would violate federal statues.  Intentional smuggling of illegal aliens would be considered a felony under this measure.  It also prohibits local governments from blocking the full reach of federal immigration laws already in place and gives state and local agencies the ability to maintain immigration status information for determining public benefit and service eligibility.

SB 104 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration  

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Sen. Jeff Mullis serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He represents the 53rd Senate district which includes Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties and portions of Catoosa County.  He can be reached at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.0057 or by email at jeff.mullis@senate.ga.gov.