Thread: MS: Illegal Immigration Bill Headed To Governor's Desk

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=7972274&nav=6DJI

JACKSON (WLOX) -- A bill that would crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants is on the way to Governor Haley Barbor's desk. On Wednesday, the House passed Senate Bill 2988, also known as the Mississippi Employment Protection Act.

The bill requires employers to make sure all new hires are eligible to work in the United States using the E-verify program. It's a free status verification system operated by the Department of Homeland Security.

If the Governor signs the legislation, all companies with 250 employees must comply or face penalties, starting in July.

Penalties include, but are not limited to, losing eligibility for state contracts and the suspension of a business license for up to one year. Smaller companies would be gradually phased in.

"This is a big step in the right direction for the Mississippi House and pride of authorship is not important," House Representative Steven Palazzo said. "The leadership is finally getting the picture that everyday Mississippians don't buy the excuse 'it's a federal issue' any longer, and that we were elected to handle the business of Mississippi."

In the bill, legislators declared they have a compelling public interest to discourage illegal immigration.

"Mississippi has spoken - get legal or go home," Palazzo said.

"Mississippi has spoken - get legal or go home," Palazzo said.

I'm glad this bill passed but this comment concerns me. What does he mean by get legal? Currently there is not supposed to be a path for illegal aliens in America to 'get legal'

W

Originally Posted by LawEnforcer

If the Governor signs the legislation, all companies with 250 employees must comply or face penalties, starting in July.

That pretty much leaves out day laborers, landscapers, construction workers, custodial staff, restaurant workers, day care workers, laborers on small to medium farms, small businesses and street vendors...

Actually, who would this sanction besides Wal-Mart, Swift, and Pilgrim's Pride? (And they have already gotten the message.)

Why not companies with at least 50 employees? They require the services of professional human resource consultants. HR pros know the deal on not hiring illegal aliens.