Bill allowing guest worker permits in Utah passes

Updated: 2/23/2011 5:22 pm | Published: 2/23/2011 5:19 pm

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I.C.E. Agents Deport Criminal Aliens at Salt Lake International (Don Hudson, Don Hudson)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A bill allowing illegal immigrants to register as guest workers and remain in Utah has passed the House.

Republican Rep. Bill Wright of Holden says House Bill 116 recognizes the economic importance of illegal immigrants instead of focusing on enforcement of immigration laws.

The bill passed the House 43-28 Wednesday. It now moves to the Senate.

The guest worker program would require a waiver from the federal government.

Illegal immigrants who registered could remain in the state as long as they were employed, as could family members.

They would be prohibited from accessing government services, including health care and unemployment.

Republican Rep. Chris Herrod of Provo says the bill rewards immigrants who broke the law and punishes foreigners wanting to legally immigrate to America.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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StandUpBheard - 2/27/2011 10:31 AM

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What about those that came here legally? It is a smack in their face. If you obey the law you're out all the money and time you spend to be a legal citizen. Only in America can you protest, break the law and enjoy the law at the same time. Slapping the illegalls on one hand and allowing them to steal with the other hand!!!

MC Mike - 2/24/2011 9:09 AM

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If this works out right, I will get one and get rid of my SSN like the illegals won't have, that way I can eliminate the crushing tax burden that is once again upon all of us who are here legally.

Tillie - 2/23/2011 8:41 PM

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Will look out legal citizens of Utah. It looks like our government is looking out more for the illegals then the legal citizens of Utah. I guess if your in the country illegally its not a crime that is what this bill is telling me. It will bring illegals in to the State of Utah and put alot of unrest to the legal citizens. It is just opening a BIGGER PROBLEM.

Hyrax - 2/23/2011 7:31 PM

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Where is my "get a free crime" card? I have a wish list too!

WantTheTruth - 2/23/2011 6:21 PM

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Just another form of amnesty, only on a state level. The end result will be a massive influx into Utah of illegals hoping to eventually qualify as a guest worker. But without some form of enforcement, which the pro illegal immigration groups seem to be against, nothing really changes. Those who don't qualify will just continue to do what they are doing now - stealing identities, trying to fly under the radar and utilizing government aid at a disproportionate rate.

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