The Idaho Senate approved a resolution on Tuesday advocating for federal immigration reform, highlighting concerns over border security and the need for a comprehensive approach to address immigration issues.
Senate Joint Memorial No. 102, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon and Sen. Jim Guthrie, emphasizes the necessity of “targeted, common sense, business-focused, market-driven immigration reform,” citing what it describes as a failure by Congress and the U.S. president to ensure a secure border.
Anthon underscored the federal government’s responsibility to safeguard the nation’s borders, characterizing the current situation as a “catastrophic failure.” The resolution emphasizes that immigration reform should not include amnesty for individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status.
In addition to border security, the resolution advocates for the implementation of modern technology to prevent illegal entry into the United States. It also calls for the establishment of a guest worker program tailored to meet the labor needs of sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and construction, which rely heavily on year-round employment.
The resolution passed the Idaho Senate with a significant majority, receiving a 30-4 vote. However, some senators, including Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld and Sen. Dan Foreman, expressed dissenting views.
Zuiderveld, a member of the Idaho Freedom Caucus, called for stronger measures, emphasizing the importance of border closure as a top priority. Meanwhile, Foreman stressed the need to enforce existing laws against the employment of individuals lacking legal status in the U.S., advocating for a focus on upholding state laws.
A recent report presented to Idaho lawmakers indicated that the state’s undocumented population has remained relatively stable at around 35,000 individuals. Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, highlighted the significant contribution of unauthorized workers to the state’s workforce, particularly in sectors like agriculture.
With the resolution’s passage in the Senate, it now proceeds to the Idaho House for further consideration.
