Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) recently introduced legislation, SF 4328, to provide transparency and address key issues related to illegal immigration in Minnesota. This bill is in response to attempts to make Minnesota a sanctuary state and policies that provide state social services to illegal immigrants.

“Recent headlines have been filled with stories about our nation’s surge in migrants and the ongoing crisis at the southern border,” Sen. Rasmusson said. “We have seen what problems arise when cities–such as New York City and Chicago–adopt ‘sanctuary’ status for illegal immigrants. If our state adopts sanctuary status, Minnesota taxpayers will be further burdened with the heavy costs associated with illegal immigration.”

Introduced this session by Democrat legislators, the North STAR Act, SF 2724, would make Minnesota a sanctuary state. If this legislation becomes law, it would prohibit state and local officials from cooperating with federal immigration authorities who are seeking to deport those in Minnesota illegally.  In contrast, Sen. Rasmusson’s legislation would prohibit local governments from passing blanket ‘sanctuary city’ ordinances.

“Sanctuary policies simply make Minnesota a more inviting place for those who are in the United States illegally and do nothing to stop the overwhelming flow of migrants at the border. We shouldn’t make Minnesota a more enticing place to violate federal immigration law, either as cities or a state,” Rasmusson said.

Additionally, during the 2023 legislative session, Democrats passed legislation requiring taxpayers to pay for free college, health care and other welfare benefits for illegal immigrants. Included in these benefits is a policy where non-citizens can apply for a Minnesota driver’s license, which is identical to that of a legal resident. In response, Sen. Rasmusson’s legislation requires state agencies to provide an annual report to the legislature on the costs incurred in providing care and government assistance to individuals without legal status.

“Minnesota taxpayers have a right to know where their dollars are being spent. To provide greater transparency, I am proposing a requirement for state agencies to report the cost of services for illegal immigrants to the Minnesota Legislature on an annual basis,” Sen. Rasmusson added. “This information is key to better understanding the consequences of a failed federal response to illegal immigration.”

Other key provisions in this legislation include:

• Making the usage of a fake identification card to gain employment in Minnesota a felony;
• Temporarily suspending business licenses and fine employers who knowingly hire individuals without legal status to work in the state; and
• Enhancing penalties for human smuggling/trafficking to ensure those who are committing these acts are held accountable.

For more information on SF 4328, please visit: HERE.