| Updated: 5/09/2008 7:03 pm |
Published: 5/07/2008 8:07 pm |
Are illegal immigrants coming to Arkansas and getting free public assistance? A grassroots organization says yes and its leaders say you're footing the bill.
Soon, you could vote on whether a person must show an ID to get any kind of public assistance from the government. But before that happens, you have to speak out and say it's something worth voting for.
Jeannie Burlsworth speaks candidly about something she says is growing out of control.
"Each state is having to take its own approach to deal with this problem because the federal government is not securing our borders," she says.
So she formed the group Secure Arkansas and got approval from the Attorney General to proceed in getting signatures for a new ballot initiative. At issue is whether your tax dollars are being wasted funding services for people who don't pay taxes themselves.
Secure Arkansas wants a state law requiring anyone 13 and older to show an ID or sign an oath saying they are in the country legally when they apply for public assistance, like food stamps, college scholarships, and subsidized housing. But first, the group must get nearly 62,000 signatures in support of the idea.
"I think it's pretty good idea. I don't think its fair for them to come here illegally and be able to have the same benefits here that we have," says Cortney Greer.
"I think they're hard working and want to be a part of our society. I want them to pay taxes and then I'm happy for them to access the services we have," says Susan Payne.
Burlsworth is ready to get to work.
“Let’s keep track of how many illegal aliens were giving this assistance to because that concerns me about people that can just come across the border and automatically get on the system quickly,” she said.
Governor Beebe says parts of this proposal may already be a part of Arkansas' state laws. But Secure Arkansas says if so, the law isn't being enforced and people are cracking right through the system.
For petition information contact: Secure Arkansas at info@securearkansas.com or call (501) 765-3325.
