Thread: S.C.: State legislators tentatively agree on immigration ref

State legislators tentatively agree on immigration reform plan
By SEANNA ADCOX, The Associated Press
Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 | Updated: 5:30 pm

COLUMBIA -- Governments and businesses would have to verify their employees are legally in the United States under a tentative agreement reached today by a House and Senate panel.

The proposal signals the end may be near for South Carolina's passionate, two-year debate on immigration reform that has seen one supporter stomp on a Mexican flag at the Statehouse and drawn claims of unfair treatment from immigrants.

Proponents of tougher immigration laws say they are needed to protect jobs and keep other illegals from flocking to South Carolina. Opponents argued illegal immigrants are good for the state's economy.

The House and Senate offered competing proposals and members of both chambers had to work out the differences using a conference committee.

Under the compromise, public agencies and businesses with public contracts would have to check employees' legal status with a driver's license or a federal Internet-based program. Private businesses could use a third option, the federal Employment Eligibility Verification form — commonly called the I-9 — to verify that employees are authorized to work in the country.

Critics argue the form spurs illegal immigration because federal law doesn't require verification of the documents used to complete it.

Sanford and others have claimed this third method will allow illegal workers to get away with using fake documents. Sen. Jim Ritchie, head of the conference committee, believes their worries are addressed by part of the compromise that says any business owner who knowingly hires an illegal immigrant could be charged with filing a false statement, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Also under the compromise, local governments could pass immigration laws as long as they don't violate federal law or conflict with state law.

House leaders and state Chamber of Commerce officials had argued that allowing a hodgepodge of rules across the state would be unfair to businesses and confusing for law enforcement.

Gov. Mark Sanford backs giving local governments the authority.

"We're encouraged that the conference committee is moving forward. Two of the markers the governor laid out were the idea of a strong verification system for private employers, and the idea of home rule," said Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer. "We're going to be taking a close look at this new version."

Ritchie said the six conference committee members expect to vote next week and hopes Sanford has the bill soon.

South Carolina legislators, like many other state lawmakers, have blasted Congress for their inability to pass federal immigration reform, saying their failure has forced them to do what they can to protect South Carolina workers.

Ritchie said the two-year process gave him some insight into why it's been difficult for Congress.

Alfredo Ayala Jr., of Bluffton, said the bill should apply only to large companies. He believes it's unfair for private, small businesses whose few employees are just trying to earn a living.

Ayala, who moved here from Texas more than a dozen years ago, fears friends may have to leave. Many have already returned to Mexico because of the declining economy, he said.

"We pray and hope for the best," he said.

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alfredo,americans have a right to earn a decent living also,pal!

I,am not going to hold breath on this states goverment passing any kind of immigration law . At least a law that has some teeth in it . Our elected officals are bought and paid for by the big business lobbyist . When are we going to have a goverment with a pair of B---S and tell these lobbyist to go to hell and do what is right for the good people of South Carolina . Its time for a change in the next election .