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January 19, 2007


Curbs on illegal workers advance
Proponents say bill would discourage hiring; opponents say it isn't tough enough




Backers of House Bill 1253 said it still could have a major impact by curtailing Indiana's growing population of illegal immigrants, but critics said the proposal has no teeth.
In its original form, the bill would have fined Indiana employers up to $5,000 for the first offense and $25,000 on subsequent offenses for hiring illegal immigrants. But then the bill's author, Rep. Vern Tincher, D-Riley, learned that his proposal would run counter to federal law.
The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee then amended the bill to allow former workers and competitors to sue an employer who knowingly hires illegal immigrants. It also would require Indiana employers to verify workers' Social Security numbers through an electronic system operated by the U.S. Social Security Administration.
The committee voted 8-3 to pass the bill.
The legislation mirrors federal laws that already require employers to verify Social Security numbers and allow for lawsuits to be filed against employers who hire illegal immigrants.
That's one of the reasons Rep. Michael B. Murphy, R-Indianapolis voted against it. "This bill creates a picnic for lawyers," he said. "It does nothing to solve the problem."
Business groups also expressed opposition, saying it would cost employers money.
"If I have to go to court to prove I was never wrong, I've already lost," said Ed Roberts, a lobbyist for the Indiana Manufacturers Association. "Going to court costs money, and this places the burden on the employer to prove their innocence."
Tincher said the bill is needed because illegal immigrants are a burden to Indiana taxpayers, costing the state $325 million in health-care, education and other expenses in 2005. Those numbers are according to the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that advocates for fewer immigrants.
Tincher also cited statistics from the Federation for American Immigration Reform -- a group that advocates against expanding the rights of illegal immigrants -- which show Indiana's number of illegal immigrants has doubled from 45,000 in 2000 to more than 94,000 in 2005.
"Why do these illegal immigrants come to the United States? For jobs and to make money," Tincher said. "If we eliminate that, they won't have a reason to come to Indiana."
Under the plan, the attorney general also would have the power to recover any incentives given to businesses found guilty of hiring illegal immigrants.
Murphy said the legislation carries no serious means of enforcement, no cost estimate and no consideration of how it could affect Indiana courts.
"If you want to feel good and go home and tell constituents you struck a blow against illegal immigration, vote for this bill," Murphy said. "But if you're serious about legislation that actually solves the problem, vote against the bill, and hopefully we can come up with something that is more air-tight."


Call Star reporter Bill Ruthhart at (317) 444-2771.


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