Va. Panel on Immigration Steps Back From Hard Line

During the General Assembly's session this year, the number of immigration bills introduced was the highest in recent years, but most measures died. State and local governments found that they could do little to resolve the issue.

"This is really a federal issue," Watkins said. "They have . . . pushed it down toward the states, and the time has come for them to deal with it. We have no jurisdiction."

Claire Guthrie Gastanaga, who represents several immigrant groups, attributed the diminishing interest to the realization that Virginia is ahead of other states in dealing with illegal immigration. "I think that Virginia has long been at the forefront in acting in this area," she said. "Much of the work was done before the commission ever met."

Virginia was the first state to tighten security on driver's licenses in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The state acted after it was discovered that several of the Sept. 11 hijackers had Virginia identification. In 2003, the General Assembly passed legislation requiring applicants to provide proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States, along with proof of Virginia residency.

Gastanaga said the state now needs to focus on creating a welcoming environment and helping immigrants acclimate to the state.

The Immigration Commission spent more than a year writing recommendations for Kaine after public hearings that included expert testimony and comment from legislators and the Virginia Crime Commission. The proposals would have to be adopted by Kaine, the General Assembly or Congress.

The commission proposed increasing the number of English classes and creating a plan to address the needs of foreign-born residents. It also urged the federal government to compile more complete immigration statistics, increase the number of visas for foreign workers and pass comprehensive immigration legislation.

Of the 12 million illegal immigrants estimated to be in the United States, 250,000 to 300,000 live in Virginia, according to the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington. The U.S. Census Bureau says an additional 440,000 people in Virginia are not U.S. citizens but are in the state legally.

The commission was made up of legislators, local government and law enforcement officials, doctors, lawyers and representatives of various immigrant communities. Members were appointed by Kaine and the General Assembly.

Gilbert and another commission member, Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), both advocates of a hard-line approach to illegal immigration, said it was obvious from the start that they would represent the minority view on the panel.

"It was pretty clear the fix was in from the beginning," Gilbert said.

But the Rev. Gerry Creedon, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Arlington County and a commission member, said that the group was objective and that he was pleased with its "positive direction."

Creedon said commission members recognized that in the past some immigration proposals were raised for "political purposes" and could not be enforced. "They wanted credit for taking a tough position, but you knew they wouldn't be implemented," he said.

Polling director Jon Cohen contributed to this report.