ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DEBATE

Governor Pawlenty unveiled a number of proposals last week that dealt with illegal immigrations. One would explore affecting state aid to so-called "sanctuary cities", those that prohibit their law enforcement officers from asking criminal suspects their immigration status. Fort Ripley State Senator Paul Koering said its an issue too few Minnesotans seem to be concerned about. Koering said he intends to introduce a bill this spring that would make English the official language of Minnesota. Brainerd lawmaker John Ward said most of the laws that deal with illegal immigration are federal laws and and they should be enforced. He said lawmakers understand the problem but they have other issues to address. Ward said he's not saying being illegal is good but rather we have to help those that want to become productive members of society. Ward said the governor introduced illegal immigration measures two years ago and there were a number of groups that lobbied against them. Koering said its an important issue in some areas of the state now but its a growing problem and something needs to be done.