States may bar comp for illegal immigrants
January 31, 2011

Political climate aids efforts

Roberto Ceniceros

With conservative lawmakers in control in several states, more legislation is being introduced that would deny workers compensation benefits to illegal immigrants who are hurt on the job.

And while such efforts have failed in recent years, today's changed political climate could result in some of that legislation becoming law this time around, some say.

Bills that would bar illegal immigrants from collecting workers comp benefits are pending in Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

There is growing demand from legislators and their staff for information on barring illegal immigrants from collecting workers comp benefits, said Ann Morse, program director, immigrant policy project for the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington.

“It seems to be making a resurgence this year,â€