South Dakota Senate panel OKs illegal immigration measure

Rapid City Journal
February 17, 2011
PIERRE, SD

A South Dakota legislative panel has passed a bill that makes it a crime to employ illegal immigrants.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-3 Thursday to approve the measure, sponsored by Republican Sen. Craig Tieszen (TEE'-zin) of Rapid City. It now moves to the full Senate.

If the bill becomes law, anyone who knowingly employs an illegal immigrant will face a $1,000 fine for the first offense, with jail time for future offenses.

South Dakota joins other states in taking up bills this year that deal with illegal immigrants.

A bill that failed this week would have directed law enforcement officers to check a suspect's immigration status if they have reason to believe that person is here illegally.

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