Illegal immigration bill targets firms
By Bill Ruthhart

January 4, 2008


Employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants could lose their right to do business in Indiana under proposed legislation that would make the state’s penalties among the stiffest in the country.
The bill, authored by Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, gained support from Republicans and Democrats alike today but was criticized by Hispanic leaders, business officials and civil rights experts who say cracking down on illegal immigration should be left to the federal government.
Although solving the state’s property-tax crisis will top the legislature’s agenda, some lawmakers say enough Hoosiers are clamoring for immigration reform that Delph’s bill could get serious consideration.

“At every town hall meeting I’ve been to, doing something about illegal immigration has been the No. 2 question, right behind property taxes,â€