Ramey says no vote soon for Arizona-style immigration proposal

SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Randy Ramey said Tuesday that he knows his plan to bring Arizona-style immigration laws to Illinois almost certainly won’t be called for a vote this year.

“I have been requesting,” the Carol Stream Republican said. “Been denied.”

Ramey’s proposal, like the one approved in Arizona, would give police more authority to look up someone’s immigration status, a move that could lead to deportation of an illegal immigrant.

Ramey acknowledges that in a state where Democrats rule the House, Senate and governor’s office, his legislation could face a difficult road. But he hopes to split the legislation up into parts next year to maybe find approval for some of the plan that way.

Staunch opponents to the legislation likely won’t let up, though.

“Fortunately, most of the legislators in Springfield are not in favor of this drastic bill,” said Virginia Martinez, legislative staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund.

Ramey argues that illegal immigrants cost the state money by using state services such as schools and health care. Opponents counter that immigrants also pay state taxes.

Ramey said despite his plan’s apparent fate for this year, he’s heard from supporters throughout the state.

“People are just hoping to see someone doing something,” he said.