Chris Saldana, Reporter
New Law Could Put Illegal Immigrants Out of Work

Aug 14, 2007 11:05 AM EDT

Alfredo Martinez started his business with just five waiters.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a new law that could put millions of illegal immigrants out of work. The government wants to crack down on illegal immigrants, despite the lack of immigration reform legislation.

If a person's social security number does not match information in the Social Security Administration's database, employers who don't fire workers can be fined up to $10,000. One local business owner says this 'No Match' law will hurt a lot of people.

For the last 27 years, Alfredo Martinez has been greeting customers at his Mexican restaurant. He started his business with just five waiters. Today, between two restaurants, he has close to 100 on staff. Some of them he says are here in the country illegally.

"They'll show you the social security card, their health card, and their green card; that's what we ask them for and we start from there," said Martinez.

Owners like him will have 90 days to fire employees if their social security number does not match information in the Social Security Administration's database. Martinez says the new No Match law will cause more harm than help.

"You think companies where people are working outside are asking for the social security numbers? The landscaping guys, or construction -- how will the buildings go up?" he asked.

Martinez has been in touch with his employees and has talked to them about the changes. He says he will have to let some of them go with this new law, rather than face a $10,000 fine.

He wants to follow the rule, but is not sure how to get in touch with the Social Security Administration. He has not been given any notification as to how he and other employers should make this work. A lot to think about, considering he could lose his restaurant with this new rule.

"If we can't afford it, we have to close the business and do something else," said Martinez.

The Department of Homeland Security says they were forced to beef up enforcement, turning to this, since Congress failed to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

The stepped up enforcement is expected to begin in the next 30 days.

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