With many Republicans wanting stricter immigration laws – one Senate Bill is looking to ensure all state entities follow such laws.
Senate Bill 7 essentially looks to prevent any entity or political subdivision from adopting any sanctuary city policy.
Specifically – it prevents the implementation of policies that would give individuals a way out of speaking to federal officials about another person’s immigration status. It also prohibits any entity in the state from granting a non-US citizen legal status within the state.
District 31 Representative Mary Fitzgerald is the House Sponsor for the bill. She said the law is about being proactive.
“In upholding safety, strengthening the rule of law, and maintaining consistency across our state by clarifying and affirming that local governments will cooperate with federal immigration. Authorities will ensure that public safety remains a priority while supporting uniformed application of law. Both President Trump and Homeland Security (Secretary) Kristi Noem stress keeping America safe is their top priority. The core obligation of government is public safety,” Fitzgerald said.
District 08 Senator Michael Crabtree is the Senate sponsor for the bill. He said it comes after a “mandate” from the American people.
“In November, President Trump handedly won both the popular vote and the electoral college. To me it was a clear mandate from voters to protect the border and tackle illegal immigration. I believe it is time for the legislature to make clear in our state that we will assist federal law enforcement officers to keep our communities safe. I also want to point out that this has already been tackled in many of our neighboring states, and that Nebraska will be taking it on this year as well,” Crabtree said.
Nobody spoke in opposition of the bill.
It passed out of the House Local Government Committee 12-1 and now heads to the House floor.
