By KPR
Frankfort, KY – The issue of illegal immigration got its first hearing in a house committee Wednesday. It will be discussed in subsequent meetings. Committee members were briefed on a senate passed bill which allows for the arrest of an illegal alien upon probably cause. It also establishes the state crime of trespassing for such individuals. Doug Roy of Lexington is with Kentuckians for Immigration Reform and Enforcement.
"You're giving special precedence to those who are from another group and lifting them up over other people and it's not equality under the laws."
House local government committee chair Steve Riggs says it's hard to know if hundreds or thousands of illegal aliens might face arrest. A representative of the Kentucky jailers association says the cost for county jails could eventually reach $900,000 a day. A representative with the Kentucky Head Start Association says workers could face possible arrests under this proposed law. Bob Wilcher says it could also mean a loss of millions in federal dollars.