May 25, 2013
ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia House of Representatives has approved proposed changes to a 2011 law targeting illegal immigration.
Supporters say the main purpose is to ease requirements to get licenses and other government documents.
Currently, anyone applying for or renewing public benefits, including professional licenses, has to submit "secure and verifiable" documents proving U.S. citizenship or legal presence. The approved changes say U.S. citizen applicants will not have to resubmit their documents for renewal or when they apply for a different public benefit from the same agency.
House Bill 125 also adds to the list of public benefits, including adding driver's licenses.
The proposal also would require all state or local government agencies to use a federal online database to check the eligibility of new hires. Current law exempts certain small agencies.
