Idaho lawmakers pass bill to head off illegal immigration

Chad Groening   (OneNewsNow.com) Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Idaho-based pro-family activist Bryan Fischer is praising his state's legislature for taking a major step to curb illegal immigration in the Gem State.

Fischer, executive director of the Idaho Family Alliance, is pleased that the legislature has overwhelmingly approved a bill that will prohibit illegal aliens from obtaining a valid driver's license in the state. Lawmakers in Boise, he feels, are taking a responsible approach.

"We see this as an important tool in controlling illegal immigration in Idaho. We don't have a huge problem with illegal immigration [here] yet," says Fischer. "But I think what our legislators are doing is trying to get out in front of the curve and trying to take some proactive steps now." Fischer hopes the bill will send a message to the government of Mexico -- which is reportedly planning to open a consulate in Boise. "I think naturally it's a concern to people who live here in Idaho," he continues. "[It's a concern] that we would have an office that would be set up right in the center of the state ... [an office] which is really ultimately designed to facilitate illegal immigration." And regarding the possibility of a Mexican consulate in the state's capital? "The options that we have to stop the establishment [of the consulate] are probably somewhat limited," Fisher admits. But if Idaho lawmakers can establish sound policies to control the number of illegal immigrants in the state, he says, there simply will not be enough to warrant the need for a consulate. "We hope that's going to be the eventual outcome," he adds.