Bill would change immigration policy

DeKALB - A bill proposed in December could criminalize charity workers and others who help undocumented immigrants. HR 4437 is a bill proposed by U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., that is meant the help strengthen the border. But opponents, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights said it is mean-spirited. The bill is being reviewed by the U.S. Senate. The bill declares that immigrants illegally in the United States are felons. It previously was a non-criminal matter. Felons are barred from later becoming citizens. The legislation authorizes police to enforce immigration laws and would abolish visa programs, which helped bring in non-sponsored immigrants into the U.S. It calls for funding of a 700-mile securi