INDIANAPOLIS -- A newly-appointed committee at the Indiana Statehouse is reviewing federal and state immigration law, and the options at Indiana's disposal.
The meeting comes as the topic is fresh on the minds of many – one day after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on President Barack Obama's immigration plan.
It's a plan that would protect nearly 4 million people from deportation, and one Indiana is challenging along with more than two dozen other states.
Before state lawmakers took their seats, though, the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance rallied in opposition. The group of college students disagrees with the committee's approach.
"A more comprehensive approach needs to be taken towards this issue, and more voices that are less detached need to be included in order to move forward," said Karla Lopez-Owens. So, we feel like this is a direct attack on our immigrant community.'
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach was one of the first speakers to testify in front of the standing-room only committee room.
He advised the state to require all employers to e-verify their employees' eligibility to work.
And, he recommended Indiana require all voters to show proof of citizenship.
"The problem is, every time a non-citizen votes, it effectively cancels out the vote of a citizen," Kobach said. "And in the case of really close elections decided by a handful of voters, then you have a very real risk. And indeed that risk has materialized in some places, where the non-citizens' votes can actually tip the scales."
Tuesday's meeting was one of six scheduled throughout the year.
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