Proposal: If in Ohio, would need to be in USA lawfully

(The Center Square) – New legislation in the Ohio House would make it a crime for someone illegally in the United States to enter or attempt to enter the state.

The bill’s sponsor said The America First Act supports federal immigration law.

“Ohioans are charitable, gracious, kind and welcoming,” said Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery. “However, we expect those who would join us to reciprocate by following our laws, including immigration laws. The America First Act only addresses immigration already determined to be unlawful on the federal level.”

If passed and signed into law, the act would carry a penalty of a $500 fine and a year in jail. Offenders would also have to leave the state within 72 hours of being released.

The act also contains provisions for those trying to get an extension of their visa and those seeking refugee status.

“The America First Act sends the message that we welcome lawful immigrants, and we value those who value America enough to knock and come through the front door,” Click said. “More than once, legal immigrants have come and expressed their gratitude for this great country and how offensive it is to them that others would disrespect our nation so much that they would enter in any way but the legal way. They take legitimate pride in the fact that they did it by the book. They did it the American way.”

It’s the second piece of legislation introduced by Republicans in the House in less than a month that targets immigration. The first, the Protecting Ohio Communities Act, was introduced in late September and strips sanctuary city protections in the state.

There are no sanctuary cities in Ohio. Only Hamilton and Franklin counties are sanctuary jurisdictions.

Both come while lawmakers are not in session and focused on the November general election, and both come when with less than a month expected in the general session.