DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson on Wednesday endorsed a tough immigration measure being pushed by Iowa Rep. Steve King that would punish companies that hire illegal immigrants.

"It is time for America to start enforcing immigration laws and stop giving businesses that hire illegal aliens a free pass," Thompson said in a statement. "Businesses who do not play by the rules should not be rewarded under our tax laws."

Under King's measure, businesses could not take a tax deduction for wages paid to an illegal immigrant, a step Thompson said he supported "because it provides a disincentive to employers who hire undocumented workers."

King said Thompson's endorsement means he understands that Internal Revenue Service regulations can be as important as Homeland Security procedures in enforcing immigration laws.

King, who represents western Iowa's 5th District, has been a vocal critic of the nation's immigration policies. The issue is an important one in the contest for the Republican presidential nomination, and King's call for tougher laws resonates with conservatives who play an important role in Iowa GOP politics.

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