Business owners learn how to safeguard themselves from hiring illegal immigrants
Lindsay Field
Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 18, 2007


Alabama Gov. Bob Riley is considering whether to implement an Immigration Reform Task Force in Alabama to help develop regulations regarding illegal aliens.

In coordination with the governor’s efforts, members and non-members of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., of Alabama (ABC) met Tuesday morning at the Health Resource Center in Opelika to discuss construction law practices and immigration policies.

At this time, ABC officials estimate that 42 percent of the employees hired by contractors in the state are immigrants. The estimated number of illegal aliens in the state has yet to be determined.

ABC membership director Todd Walker helped organize the seminar to teach contractors, architects and business personnel how to safeguard themselves from hiring illegal immigrants.

“The ABC is lobbying real hard on this, fighting because we know you need employees,â€