Thread: WV: Curbing Flow Of Illegal Aliens

http://www.theintelligencer.net/editori ... leID=16140

Curbing Flow Of Illegal Aliens

By The Intelligencer

Feb 12, 2007

Many of the millions of illegal immigrants in the United States are on return trips to our country. Arrested and deported in the past, they simply waited a few days, weeks or months, then sneaked back across the border. They have little or nothing to lose by doing so.

But enablers of illegal immigration — U.S. companies that hire illegal aliens knowingly — have much to lose. If a group of West Virginia state senators has anything to say about it, they will face more severe punishment in the future.

Eight senators, including three from our area —Edwin Bowman, D-Hancock; Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, and Andy McKenzie, R-Ohio — co-sponsored a bill that would increase penalties for those who knowingly hire illegal workers. The measure has been approved by the state Senate and now is being considered in the House of Delegates.

If approved there, the measure would hit unscrupulous employers in the pocketbook. It stipulates that the first offense of hiring an undocumented worker would bring with it a fine of as much as $1,000. The second offense would be punishable by a fine of as much as $5,000. And, for those foolish enough to be caught a third time, a fine of as much as $10,000 — and 30 days in jail — could be levied. In addition, the third offense could result in revocation of the state license to do business.

Our area has had plenty of experience with illegal immigrants — and some with employers who hire them. Cutting off one of the attractions of coming to this country illegally — being able to find work with a company that doesn’t abide by the law — could help curb the flow of illegal immigrants into our area. For that reason, we urge members of the House to approve the bill.

West Virginia needs to talk to their Senator. Nothing should be given to illegals and those that hire illegals should be punished by giving up all profits and management going to jails. We have given the pro-amnesty group twenty years of passes and it is now time to enforce our laws.

Originally Posted by jean

Eight senators, including three from our area —Edwin Bowman, D-Hancock; Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, and Andy McKenzie, R-Ohio — co-sponsored a bill that would increase penalties for those who knowingly hire illegal workers.

Let's give those eight senators a round of applause!