Opposing points of view: Expand laws like E-Verify to more effectively identify illegal immigrants in the workplace
Aug 11, 2011
BY DAVE AGEMA

DETROIT FREE PRESS GUEST WRITER

It is sad that any phrase beginning with "illegal" needs discussion at all, and that people actually defend the term. As a state representative, I swore to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. By ignoring the problem of illegal immigration, or pretending it's not a problem, those in office are guilty of not abiding by the oath we all took.

Immigration is good. Welcoming people to a country of freedom and opportunities is the hallmark of America. But we have a system to allow people into this country, and we have it for a reason. Illegal immigrants are lawbreakers. In Michigan, they cost us jobs, security and financial stability.

Roman Catholic priest Father Patrick Bascio wrote in his book "The Immorality of Illegal Immigration" that "allowing illegal immigration places businesses that respect the law at a great disadvantage." Too many companies intentionally hire illegal immigrants, pay low wages and drive law-abiding companies out of business.

By some estimates, only 3% of illegal immigrants work on farms in the U.S.; most are in construction, hospitality or the restaurant industry. Only a third of these people hold high school diplomas, many can't speak English, and only half contribute to taxes and programs such as Social Security.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform recently estimated that the bill to Michigan taxpayers for services provided to illegal immigrants was $929 million last year alone.

When it comes to our security, it's crucial that we know who comes to this country. Our borders are open to those who will cross them the right way.

An accurate, free system called E-Verify, which matches Social Security numbers with names and flags expired visas and green cards, has been created by the federal government and offered to the states to stop the surge of illegal immigrants. I am a supporter of E-Verify and have introduced legislation to combat this problem and put the system to use in Michigan. The federal government requires E-Verification of all contractors and subcontractors on government projects, ensuring that jobs go to our citizens. Michigan must do the same. Temporary work agencies should E-Verify so companies using them are assured they are in compliance with federal guidelines and protected from prosecution. No city should be a "sanctuary city," harboring illegal immigrants and breaking our federal laws by refusing to turn them over to Immigration Control Enforcement.

Corporate America claims illegal labor is cheap; it's not. It's costing us jobs, security and hundreds of millions of tax dollars. Illegal immigrants are taking jobs that our citizens need, want and will do.

We have the ability to stop it, but do we have the will? I do!

State Rep. Dave Agema, R-Grandville, a retired military officer and airline captain, represents Michigan's 74th state House District.

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