STATE OF GEORGIA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Nathan Deal

GOVERNOR

Dear Mrs. King:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding illegal immigration and its effects on our state. I appreciate your concerns.

As Governor of Georgia, protecting taxpayers from the costs of illegal immigration and enforcing the rule of law are top priorities of mine. I commend the General Assembly for addressing this issue and for taking the time to listen to all interested parties as they crafted legislation on this sensitive subject. It is important to note that the General Assembly learned from the pieces of legislation passed in Arizona and have crafted a bill that protects the interests of Georgians while avoiding the constitutional issues raised by the Arizona statutes. Therefore, House Bill 87 and the State of Georgia will not face the legal challenges that confront Arizona. Thus, after careful review, I have signed House Bill 87 into law and firmly believe it is a step in the right direction to address this growing problem.

House Bill 87 will curtail the presence of those who are in Georgia illegally by authorizing the verification of the lawful presence of more individuals. The bill also strengthens our laws to punish those who profit from the strife of illegal immigrants. Additionally, House Bill 87 provides a stronger mechanism to enforce current law, which states that it is illegal to hire someone who is in this country illegally.

As comprehensive reform would require a federal solution, I encourage you to share your thoughts with your members of Congress. Should you need their contact information, it is available from your county board of voter registration.
Georgia has open arms for those who legally come to this country and to our state. Our immigrant population has contributed greatly to making Georgia the great state it is today. I hope this information is helpful to you. Thank you again for writing.

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WABE — Atlanta Audio Report Included

Opponents gather as Governor Deal signs controversial immigration bill

…D.A. King, a strong supporter of the legislation, is certain that the law will pass constitutional muster. — “I am very certain of the results of this bill. Illegal aliens will migrate out of Georgia, lawful legal immigrants who obey the rules will come into Georgia to fill the jobs, so will American citizens. Wages will go up. Our quality of life will improve, and our budget strain will be removed.” [See The Dustin Inman Society]

HERE

I must depend on this photo posted on GALEO facebook- as I was not allowed in to bill signing.

A note of thanks…

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has promised to sign HB 87 into law. It is impossible to explain how grateful I am to all of you for your help, support, encouraging words and your phone calls, faxes and emails to get our bill to Governor Deal’s desk and make history on state enforcement. We got the bill through with the E-Verify component intact despite millions of dollars spent lobbying against us. Not to mention the AJC.

WE THE PEOPLE WIN!

Working with Rep. Matt Ramsey for the last nine months on the language and contents of the landmark bill and in the Capitol committee process has been a great pleasure and unforgettable honor. I am very proud to call Matt “friend” and “brother.” If you look up “Great American” you will likely see a photo of Matt Ramsey!

I am also very grateful to Matt for the long-standing invitation to be present at the bill signing. I look forward to that day with great pride.

On HB 87, we both feel like proud and dedicated parents. The list of people to thank for their invaluable assistance – both inside the Capitol and out – is very long. It must be remembered that HB 87 was built on the foundation laid by Georgia state Senator Chip Rogers and the 2006 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act – SB 529.

! THANK YOU MATT RAMSEY! THANK YOU GOVERNOR DEAL! THANK YOU CHIP ROGERS!

See the Arizona Governor sign that state’s most recent immigration bill (SB 1070) HERE . It was quite a proudly presented event!

ACTION NEEDED: I hope that you will take just a minute to send a short e-mail or make a phone call to Georgia state RepresentativeMatt Ramsey’s Capitol office to simply say “THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE ON HB 87!” Contact info HERE

Governor Deal to finally sign HB 87 next week? – Ask his office 404 656 1776 – tell them the illegals are already leaving Georgia in fear of enforcement…