Sacramento to be the scene of fierce debate on immigration

By Harrison Sheppard, Staff Writer
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Article Launched:02/20/2007 12:00:00 AM PST

SACRAMENTO - Lawmakers are expected to take up the fierce debate over illegal immigration again this year with a host of bills meant to deny or expand benefits to the undocumented.

Already in this new legislative session, Republicans have proposed bills to deny public benefits to illegal immigrants, crack down on employers who hire them and give law enforcement new tools to arrest them.

And reflecting sharp party-line splits, Democrats are looking to expand opportunities available to undocumented immigrants, including granting them the right to drive and providing subsidized health coverage.

But, as in previous efforts, little significant action is expected to emerge on the controversial topic as lawmakers remain wary of the complexity of the issue and California voters' views.