Thread: TN: Illegal workers act worries employers

Illegal workers act worries employers
Meeting explains new law; state will investigate reports of intentional hirings
JANELL ROSS

A new Tennessee law that punishes employers who hire illegal immigrants appears to be generating fear and paranoia among some business owners, hiring managers and immigrant advocates.

Almost 50 people gathered in Southeast Nashville Wednesday evening for a public information session about the law, intended to stop employers from hiring workers who are in the U.S. illegally.

On Jan. 1, Tennessee joined Arizona as the only states in the nation to threaten employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants with significant sanctions. In both states employers caught more than once can lose their business licenses.

In Arizona, a series of lawsuits brought by business, civil liberties and immigrant advocacy groups halted the law’s enforcement until at least March 1.

But in Tennessee, the state is moving forward with plans to investigate reports of illegal workers on job sites. That got the attention of the state’s private business owners.

No complaints, investigations or public hearings related to Tennessee’s Illegal Alien Employment Act have been filed to date. But at Wednesday’s meeting, the questions that came from business owners, activists, lawyers and workplace managers were laced with fear.

One wanted to know if documents an employer filed under a now defunct federal program to help a foreign-national obtain a visa to work in the United States could now be used in an Illegal Alien Act investigation.

Another wondered if the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has plans to work with or share information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.

“It’s the topic of discussion,â€

What good is a law without enforcement? Isn't that how the invasion was allowed in the first place?

I am afraid I am getting cynical about all these new laws. While I appaud any effort to enforce immigration laws, our opponents have more money and power than the lowly American citizen. Every attempt to enforce is challenged in court by the very people who profit by violating the law.

I think the E-Verify system deserves a chance. We should have a right to expect our government to protect the validity of our Social Security numbers. Our rights just don't seem to mean much anymore.

Each new hire must also allow his or her new employer access to some combination of identifying documents such as a driver’s license, passport or Social Security card.

Unfortunately, DLs and SS cards can easily be forged. They are available for $100 - $150. Employers must be FORCED to use the E-verify system. This system isn't perfect, but it's the best option presently available. It's also free.

Of course they are worried. They have been profiting off illegal invader labor for far too long and now they may no longer be able to exploit that labor source. The E-Verify System is so simple a third grader could use it. In addition, its free.

There is absolutely no reason why this should not be used other than IT MIGHT ACTUALLY WORK! That's what employers are afraid of.