Business leaders critizcize state immigration law


Associated Press - December 7, 2007 5:35 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) - Some business leaders today noted about 1,600 state immigration-related bills have been iintroduced in the absence of federal legislation.

Critics say that's leaving businesses confused by conflicting mandates and still without a reliable work force.

State officials, business owners and immigration experts used a Washington forum to discuss how state immigration laws are affecting the economy and businesses.

Mark Woodall is with the Associated General Contractors in Georgia.

Woodall says local ordinances requiring immediate firing of employees who may be illegal immigrants have employers worried about violating federal laws.

A spokeswoman for the conference of legislatures says those lawmakers believe they have to do something in the vacuum of federal laws.

The meeting was sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Home Builders and the National Roofing Contractors Association.

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