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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Immigration legislation passed by the House of Representatives could make a real difference in improving the quality of life in California according to a population group in the state. H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, passed by a vote of 239 to 182.

"So many of our problems are made much worse by this huge flow of illegal immigration," said Diana Hull, president of Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS). "Overcrowded hospitals, underperforming schools, traffic congestion, and never-ending sprawl are all fueled by out-of-control immigration."

The bill targets those who are providing jobs to illegal immigrants by requiring every business to use an electronic verification system to check that employees are eligible to legally work in the United States. It increases the penalties for knowingly hiring illegal workers.

The legislation also provides for security fencing along the Mexican border and for cooperation between local and federal law enforcement in arresting and detaining illegal aliens. It eliminates the annual lottery visa-a program that randomly picks 50,000 foreign nationals from tens of millions who apply and gives them the right to U.S. citizenship.

"Congress is finally starting to respond to the demands of the American public that illegal immigration must be stopped," Hull stated. "Concerned citizens are responsible for adding the amendments that made this a tougher, more effective bill."

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The population in California has climbed to 37 million and grows by over half a million each year. Nearly all of the growth results from foreign immigration-immigrants and their children.

"This bill is far from complete, but it is an important first step in gaining control of our border and our future," said Hull. "We hope the Senate will act responsibly and pass this important reform."

© 2005 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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