LaHood on immigration: US must secure its border first

Posted on May 1, 2015

By Eric Stock

PEORIA – State Sen. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, said he has proven his credentials on the immigration issue while serving in Springfield as he seeks a new gig in Washington.

LaHood voted against measures to enable illegal immigrations to get a drivers license and to create a private scholarship fund for undocumented youth through the Illinois Dream Act. LaHood told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, he has seen the problems of a broken immigration system firsthand.

“I’ve prosecuted immigration cases in federal court and sent people back to their country of origin,” LaHood said. “I think you’ve got to stand up for the rule of law in this country. I am not supportive of amnesty.”

LaHood said the U.S. must put more resources into securing the borders to stop the flow of immigrants coming in illegally.

LaHood is one of five candidates running for the Illinois 18th congressional district seat that Aaron Schock held before he resigned in March.

LaHood cited a deadbeat gamblers bill as one of his top achievements in Springfield. The law which seizes the gambling winnings of deadbeat parents in Illinois has recovered an estimated $1.4 million for those children in the last year. LaHood said he proposed the measure after hearing from a frustrated mother.

“She came to me and said her husband wasn’t paying child support, but he continued to gamble on the riverboat in Peoria and there was no way to get those winnings,” LaHood said.

LaHood said the bill was opposed by the casinos, but lawmakers were able to pass a measure to seize all winnings above $500 from deadbeat parents. The bill took effect in January of 2014.

PODCAST: Listen to LaHood’s interview with Scott Laughlin on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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