The Santa Clarita City Council has made a symbolic move to address illegal immigration in the Unites States. Since the issue is handled at the federal level, Council members voted Tuesday night on whether or not to support various bills before the U.S. House of Representatives.

One vote unanimously called for support of:

• H.R. 997 – Makes English the official language of the U.S. Also requires that most governmental materials be printed in English only.

• H.R. 2083 – Requires 350 miles of double fencing along U.S. border. *Co-sponsored by Rep. McKeon.

• H.R. 3571 – Removes all funding for ACORN.*Co-sponsored by Rep. McKeon.

• H.R. 4548 – Prohibits illegal immigrants from getting in-state tuition rates for colleges unless that rate is offered to every U.S. citizen as well. *Co-sponsored by Rep. McKeon.

• H.Res 1026 – A resolution expressing the need to uphold existing immigration laws. *Co-sponsored by Rep. McKeon.

A separate vote, called for by Council member Laurie Ender, resulted in the approved support by 4-1 vote for:

• H.R. 1868 – Will not automatically grant U.S. citizenship to children of illegal aliens born in the U.S. *Co-sponsored by Rep. McKeon.

• H.R. 994 – Increases penalties for smuggling illegal immigrants and restricts birthright citizenship.

Ender was the lone dissenting vote for these two bills.

All of these bills are pending in the U.S. House of Representatives. To read the City’s analysis of these bills, click here.

The action at our City level comes in the wake of controversial comments made by Councilman Bob Kellar, a firm opponent of illegal immigration. For the full story on his comments and the ensuing media storm, click here.

The City Council has not yet scheduled a discussion on the topic of illegal immigration, as talked about at the February 9 meeting. That discussion is expected to occur during a City Council study session.