RI lawmakers approve immigration checks on workers



By KELSEY ABBRUZZESE
.

Published: Tue, May 12, 2009 - 10:24 am
Last Updated: Tue, May 12, 2009 - 5:02 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) House lawmakers have narrowly approved a bill requiring private companies to use the federal E-Verify database to check the immigration status of new hires.

House legislators voted 37-33 on Tuesday to approve the bill sponsored by Rep. Jon Brien, a Democrat who said the legislation addresses a jobs issue.

Workplace and immigration advocates have argued the bill would implement a flawed system, put financial pressure on small businesses and discriminate against minorities.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it stalled last year.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 12 states require some form of E-Verify. Gov. Don Carcieri signed an executive order in 2008 that forces executive branch agencies and companies doing business with the state to use it.

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