Thread: NJ:Make Businesses Pay For Illegals

Make businesses pay for illegals

A state lawmaker's proposal to lift the licenses of New Jersey businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants could do what the federal government has failed to do: stem the tide of illegals that has taxed local services, depressed wages and taken jobs away from citizens.
Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, plans to introduce a bill this week that would require employers to verify the legal status of their workers. "Companies that knowingly hire illegals are destroying job opportunities for the working men and women of New Jersey. The practice has to be stopped," said Sweeney, who is a business representative for an ironworkers' union.

First-time offenders would face a 10-day suspension of their business license. A second offense would bring a permanent revocation. Violations would be reported for investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Sweeney is well-prepared to defend challenges to his plan from business groups. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce says immigration should be addressed at the federal level, not through a confusing patchwork of state laws. Ideally, yes. But Congress has refused to act, leaving states with the burden.


Sweeney says states have the authority to regulate businesses through licensing. A federal court in Arizona recently ruled that pulling the business license of employers who hire illegals does not infringe on federal immigration powers.
Leaving verification in the hands of the employers is another concern of the business community. A New Jersey Business & Industry Association vice president said employers are barred from asking certain questions about an applicant's background and must accept a Social Security card that appears valid. Sweeney says a Social Security number can be easily verified through a Web site maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.


Contractors who hire illegal immigrants are violating the law. The federal government isn't enforcing it. Sweeney's bill will allow the states to do it for them. It deserves support.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl ... 8802250307

hope they do it and soon

Senator Sweeney needs to hear from Latino groups that oppose illegal immigration. Please post information on such groups here or have them call Senator Sweeney at 609-777-2690. He is scheduled for Lou Dobbs Wednesday night and would like to hear from such groups immediately. Thanks.

UB

Great news!!!!!!!!!!!!

If he's going on Lou Dobbs this is really going to help!!!

Thanks for the heads up UB!!!!!