Rhode Island - Proposed legislation targets illegal immigrants
Posted on Friday, January 18 @ 14:27:52 EST
Topic: State Laws Immigration illegal legal
|
 PROVIDENCE — Failed legislation that would have required employers to use an Internet verification system to deter the hiring of illegal immigrants has been reintroduced by two Woonsocket lawmakers. The companion House and Senate bills have dozens of cosponsors.
The bills filed by Sen. Marc A. Cote and Rep. Jon D. Brien, both Democrats, require all Rhode Island employers to use the federal “E-Verify Program,” formerly known as the “Basic Pilot.” The bills, which died in last year’s session, are cosponsored by 43 of 75 representatives; and 27 of 38 senators.
“It is clear that the federal government is not effectively addressing illegal immigration,” said Cote, “and that the individual states must take action. If we are serious about enforcing our immigration laws, and to protect honest employers that abide by the law, I believe this proposal is a viable solution to the current problem.”
The system allows employers to submit information — including name, date of birth, and Social Security number or immigration documentation — to the government to determine whether a potential employee is authorized to work in the United States. It requires an Internet connection.
Topics: Illegal Immigration, Internet verification system, Sen. Marc A. Cote, Rep. Jon D. Brien, Democrats, employees, E-Verify Program, bills, employers, social security numbers, documentation, Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, reduce identity fraud, American Civil Liberties Union, Rhode Island, enforcement needed
January 18, 2008
Karen Lee Ziner
projo.com
The Providence Journal Co.
According to a government Web site, E-Verify is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. The program is overseen by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
According to Brien and Cote, “in 92 percent of cases, employers receive a response within 15 to 20 seconds confirming eligibility,” and includes a new photo-comparison feature intended to reduce identity fraud.
Brien said the system “is very easy to use, and it will serve as a strong deterrent to illegal immigration. Employers are already required to fill out paperwork to certify the legal status of new employees, but can be fooled by false documents.” The E-Verify Program will remove the guesswork from the process, he said, provide a quick response, and “will discourage illegal immigrants from coming to Rhode Island.”
Brien also said Rhode Island “has a great safety net of social programs for citizens who need help, but unfortunately, that’s a draw for people who are in this country illegally. Especially at a time when our state has a deficit to reduce, we can’t afford to shoulder that kind of burden.” He said adopting such measures will send a message “that if you want to live in Rhode Island, you need to do it legally.”
Last year’s House bill passed 46-17 in the waning hours of the General Assembly session; the Senate never took it up.
The American Civil Liberties Union and several immigrants’ advocacy groups opposed the bill on the grounds that it would encourage discrimination against all immigrants, legal or illegal.
According to Cote and Brien, the system is already being used voluntarily by about 77 employers in Rhode Island and 30,000 employers nationwide.
Discuss this article in our Discussion Groups and meet CITIZEN ACTIVISTS!
|
|
| |
| Article Rating | Average Score: 5
Votes: 1
| |
|
Contribute/Join
