An Update from State Representative Gary Click
It’s been another busy and productive week for Representative Click as the legislature continues moving important bills forward!
AFFIRMED!!
You may have read that the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of Tennessee’s version of the SAFE Act. We are still wading through the courts decision. However, we have been told that the high court’s opinion mirrors the arguments that Representative Click made here in Ohio. We will have more details for you next week.
America First
 One highlight from this week was Rep. Click's sponsor testimony for House Bill 200 – The America First Act– which is gaining attention, especially in the media. Let’s take a moment to break down why this bill is important for Ohio.
The America First Act aligns Ohio law with federal law by declaring that if it is unlawful for an individual to be in America, it is unlawful for them to be in Ohio. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that there are 15.4 million unlawful immigrants in the United States. That is more than the population of Ohio at just under 12 million. This is an issue for Ohio, and our nation.
Rep. Click worked with ICE to craft the language and ramifications for this bill. This legislation has been endorsed by former DHS Acting Secretary, and chief Strategy officer of the America First Policy Institute Chad Wolf.
Violators will face a $500 fine and 12 months in jail unless taken into ICE custody sooner. Individuals who can demonstrate that they are in the process of seeking asylum or have applied for an extension to their visa may receive a ninety-day stay while their paperwork is being processed.
The America First Act is necessary for the protect the safety and sovereignty of American Citizens and legal immigrants in the State of Ohio. We can all understand why people want to immigrate to America. However, when an individual’s first act upon entering this great nation is to break the law, it is reasonable to assume that it will are likely to break other laws.
Additionally, H.B. 200 requires law enforcement agencies to notify ICE when they have an individual in custody that they have reason to believe in in the United States Unlawfully and to honor any requests to detain that individual until ICE can take them into custody (48 hours).
Ohio can and should do its part to support lawful immigration and by aligning Ohio’s laws with federal immigration laws.
Representative Click believes this bill is a commonsense approach that will make Ohio safer and more secure, while also supporting the rule of law.
As always, thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions about the America First Act or any other issues, please reach out to our office.
For more information or if you have any questions please reach out to Rep. Click at Rep88@ohiohouse.gov
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