Thread: ARK: Business Affidavit Against Illegal Immigrants Proposed

Business Affidavit Against Illegal Immigrants Proposed

By Scarlet Sims
The Morning News
BENTONVILLE -- Benton County should set an example and pass a resolution not to do business with any entity employing illegal immigrants, Justice of the Peace Burton Schindler said Monday.

"I'm hoping that, as a public body, we will set the pace and the example for everybody else to follow," Schindler said.

He will present his proposal for a resolution at the Committee of 13 meeting today.

The resolution will ask business owners to sign an affidavit saying that, to the best of their knowledge, they employ only legal residents of the United States.

Lying or failing to sign the statement would put the company on a do-not-use list, Schindler said.

Schindler hopes the county's declaration will lead other entities to draft similar resolutions and policies. School boards, cities and counties could solve problems and fear related to illegal immigration by creating guidelines, he said.

"Instead of all this hysteria, let's do something," Schindler said.

At least two cities have passed similar ordinances, including Hazelton, Pa., which is currently in a lawsuit over its regulations against employing and harboring illegal immigrants, said Rich Pierce, executive vice president of the National Border Patrol Council. An increasing number of cities are trying to regulate businesses hiring illegal immigrants because the influx of illegal immigrants changes the quality of life in small towns, he said.

Adrian Dominguez, treasurer of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, declined to comment Monday. He gave numbers for the organization's new president, Hilda Gomez, but she didn't immediately return calls for comment Monday.

Immigrants must follow the rules and regulations, said Alex Martinez, a Benton County business owner and former league president. He said he had no problem with the county deciding not to use businesses that employ illegal immigrants.

"People agree and disagree about immigration, because it's such a sensitive issue at many levels," Martinez said.

Pierce said the resolution is a step in the right direction but would be difficult to enforce. He pointed out that the county couldn't rely on the honor system or wait for an employee to say a business lied about employing illegal residents. More proof would be needed, Pierce said.

Agricultural work brings in a large percentage of illegal immigrants, Pierce said.

"How is the county going to avoid doing business with farm owners?" he asked.

Schindler said he had been speaking with other county officials and looking into the legal issues. He decided something needed to be done after reading a speech from the National Border Patrol Council president, T.J. Bonner.

Benton County Judge Gary Black was unavailable for comment, said Rosemary Goines, his administrative assistant.

Pierce commended the county for taking action but cautioned that enforcement is key.

"The spirit of the resolution is very good, but the enforcement will be something else," he said. "There's a lot more to it than just saying we're going to do it."

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/ ... tproof.txt

Resolution Against Businesses Using Illegal Immigrants Tabled

By Scarlet Sims
The Morning News
BENTONVILLE -- A resolution to prevent taxpayers' money from funding businesses hiring illegal immigrants was tabled during the Benton County Quorum Court Committee of 13 meeting Tuesday.

Justice of the Peace Burton Schindler proposed a two-paragraph resolution requiring any business providing goods or services to the county sign an affidavit stating they employ no illegal immigrants.

"We're not asking for a great deal of detail," Schindler explained, noting the resolution would be a public expression that no tax dollars fund an illegal operation.

The proposal is meant to set an example for other city and county governments and school boards, he said. Reducing the number of businesses hiring illegal immigrants might reduce the number moving to Northwest Arkansas, according to handouts Schindler distributed.

Justice of the Peace Frank Winscott seconded Schindler's motion for a resolution, but other justices of the peace seemed unconvinced.

"I, for one, am not ready to vote on this tonight," said Justice of the Peace Debbie Hobbs.

Court members questioned if the affidavit were retroactive or included businesses currently under contract; how the affidavit would be handled; its legal language; and if the county would see a backlash with illegal immigrants boycotting area businesses.

Justice of the Peace David Hill said the Quorum Court was not qualified to deal with immigration issues.

"Something has to be done at the federal level to give us impetus," he said.

After hearing multiple questions, Justice of the Peace Robert Stephenson moved to table until next month and Hill seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Justices Tim Summers and Kurt Moore absent.

Schindler said he wasn't disappointed in the committee's decision.

"I never expect these things to go quickly," he said.

He said he understood the justices needed time to consult their constituents and do their own research. The resolution will pass eventually, Schindler said.

MEETING INFORMATION

Benton County Quorum Court

Who: Benton County Quorum Court Committee of 13

What: Consider a resolution requiring businesses providing services to the county to sign an affidavit stating no illegal immigrants are employed.

When: 5 p.m. May 8

Where: Benton County Administration Building, Bentonville

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/ ... mittee.txt