Sanford: State laws, US Constitution should be toughened on immigration

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7183800
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Governor Mark Sanford is urging SC General Assembly leaders to make immigration reforms a top priority in the legislature this year.

Sanford also wants to convene a nationwide constitutional convention to amend the US Constitution regarding immigration.

State Senate leaders have expressed support for calling the convention to deal with the issue.

Bills currently under consideration would require all employers doing business with the state to be able to verify the citizenship of their workers. The bill would also deny business expense deductions to employers of illegal workers, and would mandate withholdings on wages paid to illegal workers.

In addition, the bills would create a state felony for harboring or transporting illegal aliens, would create additional penalties for ID fraud in connection with illegal immigration, and would set up a state hotline for reporting suspected violations of immigration laws.