E-Verify Bill to be heard by House Committee

Posted: Feb 05, 2013 5:39 AM PST
By Dee DeQuattro - bio | email


ddequattro@abc6.com

The E-Verify bill is back and will be heard in the Rhode Island House of Representatives on Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Peter Palumbo (D-Cranston) and Rep. Doreen Costa (R-North Kingstown, Exeter) would require that businesses run all new employees through a federal database to verify that the individual is able to work legally in the United States.

The bill has been unsuccessful for the past four years and it suffered an even bigger set back when Governor Chafee signed an executive order ending the state's use of the E-Verify system for state jobs and companies with state contract.

In the past both advocates and opponents have flocked to the Statehouse to testify on the bill. Advocates say that the bill protects Rhode Island jobs for those legally entitled to them and prevents the exploitation of undocumented workers for low wages. Opponents say the bill creates a culture of fair in the immigrant community and that the system could easily be flawed.

The bill will be heard in room 201 by the House Committee on Labor at 4:30 p.m.http://www.abc6.com/story/20966027/e-verify-bill-to-be-heard-by-house-committee