Utah lawmakers hesitant to tackle immigration laws
Updated: 2/08 12:37 pm | Published: 2/08 12:36 pm
JOSH LOFTIN
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Immigration bills are being received with limited enthusiasm by Utah lawmakers still smarting from divisive debates during the 2011 session.
Two lawmakers are sponsoring bills that would repeal a guest worker program that allows illegal immigrants to live and work in Utah. But neither bill has had a committee hearing.
Republican Rep. Chris Herrod of Provo says he is sponsoring one of the bills repealing the guest worker program because it's unfair to people waiting to legally enter the country, but doesn't want to repeat the exhausting fights of last year.
Despite backing from Gov. Gary Herbert, the House on Wednesday declined to even consider a bill from Republican Rep. Stephen Sandstrom of Orem that sought to strengthen penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
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