http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?S ... 4600-4072r

ATLANTA, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The Georgia Legislature is considering a bill aimed at illegal immigrants that would penalize employers who hire them.

The measure would require employers to ensure that anyone they pay, whether as an employee or an independent contractor, is legally able to work, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Employers who do not, would not be able to deduct payments to illegal workers on state income tax returns and would not be eligible for state contracts.

The "Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act" would also make state and local government agencies responsible for verifying the immigration status of anyone applying for public benefits, and set up a system for verifying the status of anyone arrested in the state.

"If this bill passes, it is the most comprehensive illegal immigration legislation in America," the bill's main sponsor, Republican state Sen. Chip Rogers, told the newspaper.

Backers of the bill say illegal immigrants use fake documents to obtain subsidized medical care and other services they are not entitled to.

Opponents say most illegals simply want to work and are willing to do hard, low-paying jobs most legal residents won't do.