McDonough: County should ban contractors who hire illegals
Delegate says council resolution is not enough

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted 2/03/10

Republican State Del. Pat McDonough says a council resolution asking the county to require contractors to verify that their workers are legally permitted to work in the United States doesn't go far enough.

“The county needs an outright ban on contractors using illegals as employees," McDonough wrote in a press release Wednesday.

McDonough represents the 7th District including Cockeysville, Kingsville and Middle River.

On Monday, the council passed a resolution sponsored by Council Chairman John Olszewski Sr. and Council member Ken Oliver, both Democrats. The resolution does not carry the force of law and does not require the county to respond.

“It is unfair during these difficult economic times for American workers to be denied employment because an illegal immigrant occupies their job position," McDonough wrote.

McDonough said that on Friday he will call on the county to mandate contractors use the federal E-verify program, a system implemented by the federal government to help employers determine who is legally eligible for employment inside the United States.

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union and other immigration advocacy groups testified Monday that the E-verify system is flawed, and will discriminate against immigrants who are here legally.

McDonough also wants the county to require all contractors to sign an affidavit stating they do not hire illegal aliens.

“Half-measures and weak proposals are deceptive and useless,â€