Immigration 2009 Crackdown Likely to Impact Job Protection
Published 3 hours ago, by â–* Carol Forsloff


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by Carol Forsloff.
Just as the recession is deepening, the one bright spot is the crackdown on illegal immigration to take place this year. According to a former Ashcroft aide that may make a difference in protecting American jobs.
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Illegal immigration was a hot issue that wasn't at the top of the list of debates during the election but it may be that the law to take effect this year will go a long way towards reducing the problems associated with it. It can't happen soon enough for many places, according to reports, given the state of the economy.
Forbes reported several days ago about the law to take effect this year. In summary state and local governments must use an established database that will allow them to search Social Security records to see whether a person is qualified to work with reference to legal status. Private business owners don't have to use the database unless they have a special government contract, but the incentive for doing so is the fact that legally hiring an immigrant without proper status can create heavy penalties. Those who knowingly hire an illegal immigrant can lose their business license.

Apparently the Congress did do something meaningful with respect to immigration according to the person who put the law together requiring the usage of the database. Kris Kobach, who is a law professor at the University of Missouri - Kansas City said, "lawmakers showed foresight in going after illegal immigrants at the cusp of the recession."

The law goes into effect January 15, 2009 but many governments and businesses became compliant in 2008 in anticipation of the new law. It is explained here.
According to the Department of Homeland Security at the forefront of creating this law received 1600 comments on it, most in opposition.

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