Christensen Launches Citizens Immigration Referendum

(Christensen for Senate campaign) – Today Nevada Assemblyman (R) and United States Senate candidate Chad Christensen launched an initiative for a Nevada Immigration Reform Referendum. Christensen said “It’s time for the people of Nevada to stand together and let our voices be heard. Illegal immigration is costing the taxpayers in Nevada 700 million dollars a year.”

Christensen made this announcement after Governor Gibbons refused to call a special session of the Nevada State Legislature to address the growing immigration problem. “This is not an issue that can wait.” said Christensen. “With the passage of the Arizona bill, we anticipate an even greater illegal population will be moving to Nevada.”

Christensen is working on a draft of the Referendum and will begin gathering signatures immediately. “We hope to have this Referendum on the November ballot but if we do not meet the deadline we will have the signatures verified for the next possible election.” Christensen said.

The goal is to collect 97,002 signatures from registered voters in Nevada. This places the referendum on the ballot for the people of Nevada to vote on.

Highlights of the referendum are:

1.) During a lawful stop, directs law enforcement to determine immigration status of individuals who they reasonably suspect to be illegal aliens, and for all persons who are arrested.

2.) Prohibits state officials and agencies from imposing bans or restrictions on sending, receiving or maintaining information relating to an individual’s immigration status, or exchanging it with any other federal, state, or local governmental entity for the purposes of determining eligibility.

3.) Allows legal residents to sue if they feel a government agency adopts a policy that limits or restricts the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

4.) Prohibits people who are hiring and/or picking up day laborers, and day laborers soliciting work from impeding traffic.

5.) Prohibits illegal aliens without work authorization from applying for work , soliciting work in a public place, or performing work in the state

6.) Makes it illegal to transport, harbor, or encourage illegal aliens to remain in the United States if the driver knows or recklessly disregards that they are illegal (as under federal law). Provides exemptions for child care providers and first responders.

7.) Authorizes the impoundment or forfeiture of vehicles driven by illegal aliens, or used to unlawfully transport them.

8.) An employer shall not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien.