Thread: U.S. Labor Secretary talks about immigrant hiring in NC

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Message for businesses hiring immigrants 5:38 PM

07:00 PM EDT on Monday, June 26, 2006
By TIFFANI HELBERG / 6NEWS
E-mail Tiffani: THelberg@WCNC.com

Elaine Chao spoke to the Charlotte Chamber Monday about the issue of immigration.

Two federal leaders took on a controversial topic in Charlotte Monday --immigration, but they focused in on one critical part of the debate -- the hiring of illegal immigrants.

Generally, business owners told 6NEWS they do everything they can to follow the law. Some said they're happy the federal government is paying attention to the issue of immigration. But others said there needs to be more than just lip service.

“One of the most significant concerns facing the security of our country is ensuring the security of our borders,” said U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.

Chao hammered the immigration issue home to the Charlotte Chamber and just down the road, Representative Sue Myrick sponsored a presentation to other business leaders. It’s a pilot project for the federal government that is designed to help employers weed out undocumented immigrants who use fraudulent Social Security numbers.

“This is primarily for the honest people. You're just verifying that the honest people are honest,” said Employers Association president Kenny Colbert. “There are still some loopholes, but it’s a good start.”

The problem is that those who lie could still potentially get through.

A construction company owner said it’s an unnecessary demonstration. The man did not want to be identified for fear of repercussions from federal agents.

“Having done all the law allows it is still possible that an illegal immigrant could slip into the company, it may even be likely,” the man said. “It concerns every employer that agents from the government could come on to our worksite capture, arrest and deport good employees.”

He said whether it’s Chao or Myrick, federal leaders need to come up with a more realistic plan.

“It’s a myth that there's a legal means of getting Hispanic workers here,” the man said. “The waiting period is at least 15 years. It’s just there is no legal process by which you can get a Mexican person here to work in this country.”

Many of the business owners 6NEWS spoke to said they believe the economy would crumble without the labor of undocumented immigrants and those in the construction industry told 6NEWS the cost of building homes would likely increase without the immigrant labor force.

Many of the business owners 6NEWS spoke to said they believe the economy would crumble without the labor of undocumented immigrants

How many? What's the percentage? More cockandbull!