Dix announces measure to tighten mortgage procedures
Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Rep. Bill Dix on Thursday introduced legislation requiring proof of citizenship for people who apply for a home mortgage.
"Those who are here illegally should be treated as such," said Dix, R-Shell Rock. "Our government's duty is to enforce our laws, not enable these lawbreakers to enjoy a piece of the American dream."
Dix's proposal would require mortgage bankers and brokers to refuse financing to someone who is not a United States citizen.
Current law does not require banks to determine if someone is a citizen, he said.
The bill also contains a provision where a business that knowingly hires illegal immigrants would be fined $1,000 for a first offense with the potential for jail time for subsequent offenses. It's very similar to legislation introduced last week by Democrats.
Dix is seeking the Republican nomination in eastern Iowa's 1st Congressional District, and he said he'll seek to make illegal immigration a key issue in the primary.
Davenport businessman Mike Whalen and Bettendorf lawyer Brian Kennedy also are seeking the GOP nomination in the 1st District.
Waterloo lawyer Bruce Braley, Dubuque economic development worker Rick Dickinson and Davenport businessman Bill Gluba are competing for the Democratic nomination.
The district is an open seat, with incumbent Rep. Jim Nussle seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
"Those who are here illegally should be treated as such," said Dix, R-Shell Rock. "Our government's duty is to enforce our laws, not enable these lawbreakers to enjoy a piece of the American dream."
Dix's proposal would require mortgage bankers and brokers to refuse financing to someone who is not a United States citizen.
Current law does not require banks to determine if someone is a citizen, he said.
The bill also contains a provision where a business that knowingly hires illegal immigrants would be fined $1,000 for a first offense with the potential for jail time for subsequent offenses. It's very similar to legislation introduced last week by Democrats.
Dix is seeking the Republican nomination in eastern Iowa's 1st Congressional District, and he said he'll seek to make illegal immigration a key issue in the primary.
Davenport businessman Mike Whalen and Bettendorf lawyer Brian Kennedy also are seeking the GOP nomination in the 1st District.
Waterloo lawyer Bruce Braley, Dubuque economic development worker Rick Dickinson and Davenport businessman Bill Gluba are competing for the Democratic nomination.
The district is an open seat, with incumbent Rep. Jim Nussle seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
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