Barletta likes E-Verify, opposes E-Verify bill
Published: June 21, 2011

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta is in the unusual position of opposing a bill that would do nationally what he sought to do in Hazleton when he was mayor: require employers to check the immigration status of new workers.

Texas Republican Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, proposed a bill that would mandate the use of the computerized system E-Verify.

Through E-Verify, workers can submit names of new hires, and learn whether the people are authorized to work in the United States.

Barletta likes E-Verify as a tool for discouraging people to enter or remain in the United States without authorization.

He, however, dislikes the bill, which he said pre-empts states and municipalities like Hazleton from requiring their employers to use E-Verify. If the bill becomes law, businesses that hire illegal immigrants only could lose licenses after a federal finding is reached, a requirement that Barletta believes would effectively block enforcement.

He favors a different bill, sponsored by Georgia Republican John Gingrey, for implementing E-Verify nationwide.

- Kent Jackson

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