New Task Force Targets Illegal Immigration : Politics: Bipartisan panel formed by House Speaker Newt Gingrich will consider strategies to crack down on the problem.

Vowing a crackdown on illegal immigration, House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said Wednesday he wants his new task force on immigration reform to prepare comprehensive recommendations by the end of June.

In a sign of the bipartisan importance that the issue has taken on, Democrats and Republicans have signed on to Gingrich’s task force, which held its first meeting in private Wednesday.

The congressional task force includes lawmakers from across the country, although there is strong representation from Southern California.

Participants said the group intends to consider a broad range of strategies--from tougher enforcement at the borders to a counterfeit-proof identification card. It plans a trip to the Mexican border and hearings with mayors and governors in affected regions.

Although the effort will not begin in earnest until after the Republicans complete work on their “contract with America” next month, Gingrich said he expects “very bold reform” to move through the House no later than September.

Leading the group as chairman is Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), who was talking tough on immigration before the issue came to national prominence.

One aim of the group, the Ventura County lawmaker said, will be to send a blunt message to those who have entered, or intend to enter, the United States illegally.

“If you are thinking about coming to this country illegally, forget about it, and if you’re here already, pack your bags,” Gallegly said at a news conference outside the Capitol after the group’s orientation meeting.

Some effort will be made to reduce the flow of immigrants across the border and assist employers in verifying those here legally, Gallegly said. But he acknowledged that there may be a need for immigrants to work in temporary jobs in the United States.

“If there is a need for workers and there are workers from other countries that can fill that void, then let’s make it legal,” Gallegly said.

Another study group, the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform, headed by former Texas Rep. Barbara Jordan, created its own list of reform measures last fall. Deterring illegal entry and developing a better verification system for employers were at the top of the list.

Gallegly said he is soliciting ideas from the 33 Republicans and eight Democrats who accepted his invitation to join the group. The reform package will be coordinated by an 18-member steering committee, he said.

One of a handful of Democrats on the steering committee, Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills), said there is a range of strategies on which the two parties can agree.

“I disagree with Newt Gingrich on many issues but I find myself in general agreement on illegal immigration,” he said.

Among the local Democrats are Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Panorama City) and Rep. Jane Harman (D-Rolling Hills). Republican members include Rep. Howard P. (Buck) McKeon (R-Santa Clarita), Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) and Rep. Jay C. Kim (R-Diamond Bar).

“The United States has had a huge ‘Come on in’ sign that has been seen all over the world,” Rohrabacher said. “We mean business. We’re taking down that ‘Come on in’ sign.”