Porter Cries Foul On Cagle's Immigration Scheme

Press Release

Lt. Governor candidate Carol Porter responded today to Casey Cagle's action on Wed., Sept. 29, 2010 to name a new Joint Special Commission on Immigration Reform.

"After four do-nothing years in the second highest state office, pandering to get elected is obviously why my opponent has choosen - four weeks before an election - that it's time to do something about Georgia's immigration issues." Porter said. "He's had his chance to enforce federal immigration laws -- four years worth of chances. But now, when the stakes are high, and his re-election fate hangs in the balance, he decides to listen to Georgians."

Porter has clearly articulated her message on immigration reform: "For the past few decades, the federal government has abdicated responsibility on illegal immigration, leaving the local taxpayer to pick up the tab. What we are witnessing is the breaking point and now Arizona is the first state to force needed action," she said.

"Right now, Georgia has more illegal immigrants than Arizona and if we don't see some resolution as soon as possible from Washington, individual states will be forced to handle it on their own. I think it will be unfortunate and a continued waste of taxpayer time and money to have 50 individual state policies, but if the federal government does not step up, I am willing to take it there," Porter said.

Porter has called on the federal government to do its job and step up to the plate by providing states the tools needed to support legal migrant workers, while not ignoring the burden to taxpayers of those who are in the state illegally.

"The truth is, illegal immigration is a huge burden on our local governments and the taxpayers. Georgians just can't continue absorbing the cost of extended health and education benefits. Cagle spent 8 years as a state senator and has had four years as Lt. Governer to address this impact on local governments and has chosen to do nothing. Now, at the 11th hour he appoints yet another study committee to avoid the accountability of a real decision. Georgians have had all the study they need on this topic. The time for action is here, and I am prepared to deliver. Georgia cannot afford the status quo," said Porter.

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