Pawlenty's immigration plan

Last update: January 4, 2006 - 12:58 AM

Gov. Tim Pawlentys proposal to curb illegal immigration includes the following elements:

Establish a 10-member Minnesota Illegal Immigration Enforcement Team that would be federally trained and authorized to question, detain and arrest suspected illegal immigrants.

Override city ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul that prohibit police officers from taking action against illegal immigrants unless they are arrested for a separate crime. Pawlenty said the ordinances violate federal law.

Put into law a 2002 state administrative rule that prominently marks drivers licenses of legal foreign visitors with their visa expiration dates. That proposal was a central theme of the Republican governors 2002 election campaign, but it was blocked by the DFL-controlled Senate. The Department of Public Safety under Gov. Jesse Ventura implemented the license designation by administrative rule and it continues in force.

Toughen and add penalties for possession, creation and sale of false IDs. Currently, it is not a crime in Minnesota to possess a false ID unless an intent to commit a crime can be proven.

Require officers to note the citizenship and immigration status of all arrestees at booking.

Increase felony penalties for human trafficking when minors are exploited to up to 20 years in prison. In addition, a task force would be set up to seek ways to combat human trafficking.

Add a state fine of as much as $5,000 to a current federal penalty of $11,000 for employers who knowingly hire or recruit illegal immigrants. In addition, state contracts would prohibit the use of illegal immigrants to perform contracted services.

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