Thread: OK - Employers watch illegal worker legislation

http://www.newsok.com/article/3021285

By Jennifer Mock
Capitol Bureau
Immigration reform that stands to have a drastic effect on how many Oklahoma businesses operate is working its way through the Legislature this session.

Under the legislation, employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants could face stiff penalties, including loss of state contracts and the threat of civil lawsuits. In order to remain above reproach, companies can opt-in to a voluntary, federal screening program that verifies workers' documentation and their ability to work legally in the country.

The author of House Bill 1804 says most Oklahoma companies do not employ illegal immigrants and will gladly use the free federal system to screen employees as a way to ensure they are not being duped by fake documents. The legislation is not meant to hurt employers playing by the rules, but instead targets companies that turn a blind eye to the law, he said.

But opponents claim the screening system is largely untested and would be an extra burden on businesses. Employers should not have to serve as immigration police, they say.

"It's a very thorough and carefully calibrated piece of legislation that is designed to protect the pocketbook and job of American citizens by cutting off benefits to illegal aliens and incentivizing employers to do what they should be doing anyway,” said state Rep. Randy Terrill, author of the bill.

Both parties concerned
Immigration is a hot-button issue for many voters. It has the attention of Republicans and Democrats alike, many of whom are supporting at least some version of a bill to control illegal immigration problems.

State Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, is the bill's author in the Senate.

Corn says negotiations on specific language in a Senate version of the measure continue, and he expects a final product most of his colleagues can support.

But Terrill, R-Moore, anticipates Senate challenges — after all, other Senate bills dealing with illegal immigration haven't made it out of committee this session.

House Speaker Lance Cargill says lawmakers should remember voters who last fall placed illegal immigration at the top of their list of concerns.

"Senators oppose this at their own political peril,” warned Cargill, R-Harrah.

Employers penalized
Federal law forbids states from implementing separate civil penalties against businesses for hiring illegal immigrants. But this legislation would give companies financial incentives to hire only legal workers, Terrill said.

All businesses would be exempt from any penalty included in the legislation if they sign up for a federal screening program called Basic Pilot. This online program offered through the Department of Homeland Security allows employers to enter names, Social Security numbers and other documentation into a database. Seconds later, they receive confirmation that the documents are real and the person can legally work in the country.

Though the bill only mandates the verification system for state agencies and those with state contracts, Terrill said businesses will take part in the program to avoid penalties and ensure only legal workers are employed.

But the penalties concern many business owners, especially those in the hotel, restaurant, construction and agriculture industries who need cheap, unskilled labor to do tough jobs.

Bobby Stem, a lobbyist for the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors, said the verification system would be cumbersome and could mean higher construction costs.

Jim Hopper, president of the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, agreed that penalizing businesses for not using the federal screening system is unfair. Many of the hotel and restaurant owners aren't confident the verification system is foolproof, and any delay in hiring workers means a dip in business.

Illegal immigration drives down wages, said Terrill, and if the bill is passed and the problem reduced, pay will increase in these jobs to a level where Oklahomans would do the work.

Terrill said states cannot wait on Congress.

"Our federal government has simply ignored this problem for too long,” he said.

Immigration reform legislation, House Bill 1804
Law and order
•Requires state to cooperate with federal officials to train state and local law enforcement officers to perform immigration duties.

•Makes it illegal to transport, conceal or harbor an illegal immigrant in Oklahoma, punishable by not less than one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.

•Allows only citizens and permanent residents to receive a state driver's license; legal immigrants can receive temporary licenses.

•Requires jail officials to try to verify the immigration status of any person arrested. Those not in the country legally will be considered flight risks when determining bail.

State agencies
•Requires all state agencies to participate in the Basic Pilot Program through U.S. Department of Homeland Security to verify employment eligibility. The program electronically checks employment status for companies. Contractors and subcontractors making state bids must participate. The section allows discharged workers to file a civil lawsuit against an employer who has an illegal immigrant on the payroll as an unfair business practice.

•Requires all state agencies to verify the legal immigration status of all applicants for state and local public benefits. Emergency health care and humanitarian public services are exempt.

Businesses
•Requires companies to withhold a state income tax of 6 percent for employees whose Social Security number cannot be verified.

Education
•Eliminates higher education benefits for students who are illegal immigrants, including resident tuition or financial aid.

I have been working on calling or emailing these okla leaders and asking them to vote yes for this bill. come on Oklahoma let's show them how to do the right thing!

I'm really starting to like Oklahoma.

Copied just part of this article.
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http://www.mwcsun.com/opinion/local_sto ... d=topstory


Published: March 05, 2007 09:39 am

Inman proud to support immigration bill

The Inman Insider

By Scott Inman, D-Del City
The Sunday Sun

Immigration Reform

Undoubtedly one of the biggest issues facing our state and our nation is the uncontrolled influx of illegal immigration. On Wednesday, the Judiciary committee on which I sit met until almost 8:30 p.m. discussing the problem. I’m proud to report that HB 1804 by Rep. Terrill, R-Moore, passed out of committee. The bill would crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants as well as establish an identification program to eliminate ID fraud. The bill also cuts off social welfare programs for illegal immigrants. The bill is now headed to the House floor.

Concluding Remarks

Remember, if there is a bill that interests you, I would love to hear your thoughts. If can ever be of service to you, or if you would like to receive The Inman Insider via email, please let me know.

You can reach me at the following:

Office: (405) 557-7370

Email: scott.inman@okhouse.gov

Thank you for the privilege of working for you in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. God bless you.

My reply from Okla. Rep. John Carey! I am trying to write every single one of them to let them know how important it is to Oklahomans and to all the other states who might follow their actions by proposing laws as tough as these for their own states!


Thank you for your email and your thoughts both will not be taken lightly.



Rep. John W. Carey :