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North Dakota:  An article in Inforum Business says that an immigration bill has emerged from the state legislature that would fine an employer $1,000 per incident for knowingly hiring illegal workers.  The bill, "Would require employers to provide their workers' employment eligibility verification forms to the state labor commissioner if their employees are deported or arrested for illegally being in North Dakota."  Any business that employs more than five people would have to verify the immigration status of new hires within 20 days of hire and keep a written or electronic record of the documentation effective after July 30 2007. The article says that records would only be analyzed when a worker is arrested for being illegal or deported.  "The bill doesn't include random checks on businesses and doesn't punish employers for honest mistakes, such as if the illegal workers' documents look legitimate, Christmann," a state senator, "told the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee."   \n\nInforum Business  
 
 
2007. The article says that records would only be analyzed when a worker is arrested for being illegal or deported.  "The bill doesn't include random checks on businesses and doesn't punish employers for honest mistakes, such as if the illegal workers' documents look legitimate, Christmann," a state senator, "told the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee."   Inforum Business   

The Daily News 
 2/27/07 

Massachusetts:  Governor Deval Patrick issued an executive order on Friday, February 23, 2007, which mandates fines and a termination of state contracts for state contractors, i.e., contractors doing business with the state, who hire illegal workers.  "The executive order, effectively immediately, requires contractors working on state projects to certify they will not knowingly use undocumented workers and will not accept altered or falsified documents from their employees. The order also requires the contractors to verify workers' immigration status without engaging in unlawful discrimination."  The Boston Globe  

Arkansas:   HB 1024 will require state contractors or subcontractors to verify that their workers are legal. The measure has been approved by the house and senate has been sent to the governor. Arkansas News Bureau 

Oklahoma:  The House Judiciary Committee is going to debate HB 1804 to be known as the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.  The bill would require every public employer (state agencies) to participate in the Basic Pilot Program to verify that its workers are legally eligible to work in the U.S., make it illegal to harbor or transport illegal aliens, and requiring those that issue IDs, such as universities, to issue them only to those residing legally in the United States.  A public employer cannot enter into a contract with a contractor unless the contractor agrees to participate in the Basic Pilot Program.  Anyone 14 years of age or older seeking public assistance must be able to demonstrate that he or she is legally in the United States.  Exceptions are made to comply with federal law.  You can read the law here by following this link to the state of Oklahoma:  http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08HB/HB1804_int.rtf  

The Daily News 

2/26/07 

National:   

The Washington Post reports that the number of illegals arrested in the RCI raid on Thursday was about 200.   The Washington Post    If you are interested in the indictment, you can read the complete indictment on ICE's website.  

The Washington Times reports that Senator Kennedy has nearly completed a sweeping immigration reform bill that could be introduced as early as next week. The bill, according to the paper, would make it easier for illegals aliens to obtain citizenship and weaken enforcement efforts in the interior of the nation.  The Washington Times 

The Daily News 
 2/22/07

Immigration Raid:  According to an article written by the AP posted on the New York Times website, ICE has conducted a raid of a nationwide janitorial services company, RCI, (Rosenbaum Cunningham, International) arresting perhaps over 300 undocumented workers in sixty-three locations across the nation. Restaurants such as the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, ESPN Zone, Planet Hollywood, and others were included.  Two co-owners and the company controller are facing multiple charges: criminal, tax, and immigration fraud.  

Arizona:  The House Government Committee approved some immigration bills and scrapped others. 

• HB 2779 was approved 6 to 4.  The bill forbids businesses from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.  Whenever a business applies for or attempts to renew a business license, it must sign an affidavit affirming that it doesn't knowingly hire illegal aliens.  HCR2051 passed 5 to 4, "would put similar provisions on the ballot for voters to decide in 2008."

• HB2699 was rejected by the committee.  The intention of the bill was to require employers in the state to verify that their workers were legal by participating in the federal government's Basic Pilot Program.

• HB2751 was approved by the committee.  If passed by the legislature, it will require all localities and their officials "to comply with support of federal immigration law."  This is intended to go before the voters.

 
 
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KVOA News 4, Tucson, Arizona - Immigration bills at the Arizona Legislature \n
 

Kansas:  The Kansas House advanced a new bill that could make English the official language of Kansas by a vote of 118 to 2.   The bill is a response to pressure to do something about illegal immigration.  To make the bill more palatable to its critics, the law only says that the state is not required to use another language in the course of state business.  The state can use other languages as it desires and when required by federal law, to protect the rights of a criminal defendant, or to ensure public health or safety.\n 

Wichita Eagle | 02/21/2007 | House eases terms, adds cash to English language bill\n 

KVOA News 4, Tucson, Arizona - Immigration bills at the Arizona Legislature 
 
Kansas:  The Kansas House advanced a new bill that could make English the official language of Kansas by a vote of 118 to 2.  The bill is a response to pressure to do something about illegal immigration.  To make the bill more palatable to its critics, the law only says that the state is not required to use another language in the course of state business.  The state can use other languages as it desires and when required by federal law, to protect the rights of a criminal defendant, or to ensure public health or safety.  Wichita Eagle | 02/21/2007 | House eases terms, adds cash to English language bill http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuvdZt91FnWsBtlRXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE3cnY5b2ZnBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANERkQ1XzExNA--/SIG=138r00r6g/EXP=1172244697/**http%3a/jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/02/kansas-house-approves-bill-to-make.php  

National:  Senator Clinton endorses making a way for America's illegal immigrants to become legal as long as they pay fines and wait in line.  Mrs. Clinton says that she thinks that the President is right on this issue.\n  

Source:  The New York Sun

National:  Senator Clinton endorses making a way for America's illegal immigrants to become legal as long as they pay fines and wait in line.  Mrs. Clinton says that she thinks that the President is right on this issue.  
Source:  The New York Sun

The Daily News 

2/21/07 

Utah:  Yesterday, a house committee approved a bill, HB 156, which would require all employers to verify employees' identification and immigration status using a federal database, presumably Basic Pilot. The bill's sponsor said that "the bill is intended to stop identity theft by undocumented immigrants who are responsible for most cases of Social Security fraud in Utah." Employees' legal residency would be checked. The Salt Lake Tribune 

Kentucky:  There are various immigration bills floating around the Kentucky legislature.  One would require that state contractors verify the immigration status of employees. Another proposed law would require local police to enforce immigration federal immigration law.  Lexington Herald-Leader | 02/20/2007 | Several bills focus on illegals

The Daily News 

2/20/07

Arizona:  HB 2779, if passed by the Arizona legislature, would require employers to sign an affidavit stating that they do not knowingly hire illegal workers.  The bill includes fines starting at $5,000.  Penalties for illegal hires may finally be debated | www.tucsoncitizen.com ®  

The Daily News  
 2/19/07

Virginia:  According to an article in the Washington Post, the Virginia Senate has killed immigration legislation in committee that would have penalized employers for hiring illegal aliens and cut off funding for charities giving assistance to illegal immigrants.   Legislation that would have made it a felony for illegals to live or travel through Virginia was axed.  The ACLU has more detailed information.  

The Daily News 

2/16/07

Montana: The Montana Senate passed a bill 27-23 on Thursday that was introduced by Senator Jim Shockley.  The bill essentially says that those who want to get a professional license in Montana have to have a valid Social Security Card Number, a valid tax-identification number, or an official document that proves that they are able to work in the U.S.   Senate Votes to Deny Illegal Aliens Licenses | Politics | New West Network  

Missouri:  There is legislation being considered by a senate committee that would bar illegal aliens from receiving social services presumably with exceptions to comply with federal law. Proposed legislation would also obligate employers, landlords, university admissions officials, and the police to verify that workers are legal.  In other words, employers would be obligated to participate in federal government's Basic Pilot Program to verify that their employees are eligible to work in the U.S.  AP Wire | 02/16/2007 | Critics say program at center of immigration bill has problems

The Daily News   

2/15/07

Texas:  Yesterday, ICE agents arrested 46 illegal immigrants apparently held involuntarily in a house until family members paid smugglers.  The government also arrested 9 people on charges of human smuggling.  ABC KTRK Houston 

Idaho: There is yet another state immigration law appearing, this time in Idaho. According to the Idaho Business Review , "Adults working in Idaho may be required to prove they are U.S. citizens before they can collect benefits from the state, including welfare or unemployment." The article also says: "The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to approve the draft legislation. The proposal will be printed and reintroduced to committee for further consideration before the full Senate votes on the legislation."

"The legislation does provide humanitarian exceptions, including emergencies and natal care, McGee said. Federal law still requires hospital emergency rooms accept all patients, he said. The change in law would not apply to minors."

South Carolina:  One bill approved by a house panel would require employers to check their employee's status with the federal government, presumably with the Basic Pilot Program. Fox Carolina  

Nevada:  Pahrump, Nevada repeals an English only law.    The law also "set restrictions on flying foreign flags and denied benefits to undocumented workers."  Channel 4 KRNV.com: Local News and Weather for Reno-Tahoe Region: Nevada Town Repeals English-Only Law

Mississippi :  A bill has been introduced that would obligate employers to verify that all their employees are legal. WLBT 3 \n NBC

One bill approved by a house panel would require employers to check their employee's status with the federal government, presumably with the Basic Pilot Program. Fox Carolina 

Nevada:  Pahrump, Nevada repeals an English only law.   The law also "set restrictions on flying foreign flags and denied benefits to undocumented workers."  Channel 4 KRNV.com: Local News and Weather for Reno-Tahoe Region: Nevada Town Repeals English-Only Law

Mississippi:  A bill has been introduced that would obligate employers to verify that all their employees are legal. WLBT 3 NBC

The Daily News 

2/14/07

Utah:  The house passed a bill, 43-30, which will permit the state and local police to enforce immigration laws.  LocalNews8.com - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot, Jackson - House Wants Local Police to Enforce Immigration Law 

Nebraska:  The legislature is debating a provision that would allow people without a social security number to obtain a limited driver's permit.  Those in favor of the measure, Legislative Bill 266, argue that the bill will make Nebraska's highways and streets safer because undocumented workers would be able to have a driver's permit and hence insurance.  Omaha World Herald    

Connecticut:  The legislature is debating a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state-tuition rates.  Victoria Perez, who arrived in the U.S. involuntarily at 4 years of age, wants to go to college but can't afford.   The University of Connecticut would cost her a whopping $21,000 per year.  Her case is simple: She did not choose to come to the U.S. She was only four years old. Wtnh.com, Connecticut News and Weather - Lawmakers question illegal immigration and higher ed tuition    

Texas:   "Rep. Lois W. Kolkhorst has filed legislation which would force any employer in Texas to repay money they received from property tax abatement or economic development grants if they hired an illegal immigrant.  
 
The bill would require that when a business receives a public subsidy for job creation efforts, that business would agree to not employ any undocumented employees.

If the business later violates federal immigration law, and is found to be hiring illegal immigrants, then the business must return the entire public subsidy or tax-break, plus interest and court costs ."  The material on Texas was directly quoted from the Brenham Banner-Press Online Edition.   Brenham Banner-Press Online Edition 

National:  A bill to make English the official language of the United States has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Arkansas:  HB 1024 which would prohibit contractors who do business with the state from hiring illegal workers made it out of a legislative committee yesterday.   
 

The Daily News

2/13/07

Diane's article appears in Immigration News.      

 

National:  The Democrats control both legislative bodies in 23 states.   Republicans control both houses in sixteen.  There is a split in 10 more. It appears a little less likely that we will see new state laws on immigration, except in the 16 Republican controlled states.   Fox News (Nebraska's legislature is just one house and non-partisan. FOXNews.com - Democrats Gain in State Legislatures - Politics | Republican Party | Democratic Party | Political Spectrum

 

Georgia There are more bills in the legislature to deal with illegal immigration.

• Voters could be required to prove that they are citizens when registering to vote.
• Driving without a license would be a felony on the third offense.\n  2 days in jail on the first offense
• Authorizes the police to check the immigration status of any foreigner held for driving without a license.

 

 

Tennessee :  Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed a measure that would have made English the official language of Nashville.  He said that the measure was both "unnecessary and unconstitutional."   The International Herald Tribune

\n\n

 

Utah   Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah says that it may be difficult to address the issue of illegal immigration with a Democratic majority in the legislature.  

Georgia :  There are more bills in the legislature to deal with illegal immigration. 

• Voters could be required to prove that they are citizens when registering to vote.

• Driving without a license would be a felony on the third offense.   2 days in jail on the first offense

• Authorizes the police to check the immigration status of any foreigner held for driving without a license.

Tennessee:   Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed a measure that would have made English the official language of Nashville.   He said that the measure was both "unnecessary and unconstitutional."   The International Herald Tribune

 

Utah :  Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah says that it may be difficult to address the issue of illegal immigration with a Democratic majority in the legislature.

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Oregon   Republican legislators are continuing to push bills to deal with immigration.  They want to cut at least some benefits to illegals and make sure that they can't get state jobs.\n  They also want to have residency requirements to get a driver's license and make English the official language of the state. KPIC TV

 

Oregon :  Republican legislators are continuing to push bills to deal with immigration.  They want to cut at least some benefits to illegals and make sure that they can't get state jobs.   They also want to have residency requirements to get a driver's license and make English the official language of the state. KPIC TV

Payson Arizona Contemplates Immigration Ordinances
By Colin Nicholson

On January 11, 2007, in Payson, Arizona, the Payson Town Council, mirroring
the sentiments of a mounting number of towns and counties all over the
U.Sdisturbed by illegal immigration, approved a motion to direct its
legal department to research and draft two ordinances addressing the controversial issue.

In a special town council meeting, council members and members of the
public discussed how illegal immigration is a growing problem in Payson.  Mayor Edwards emphasized that businesses that hire undocumented workers have an unfair advantage over those who play by the rules and comply with
immigration law.  Attendees observed that businesses who hire undocumented
workers depress wages by paying less to undocumented workers, often exploit
workers, and fail to pay worker's compensation insurance.

In a nutshell, businesses that employ undocumented workers save money on
labor costs. Another way that illegal immigration negatively impacts the
community is that most illegals don't have health insurance, according to
council members, and that the cost of providing care falls on the taxpayer.
Illegal immigration is a net drain on the community: one council member
quoted statistics saying that the average immigrant without a high school
degree cost the United States $89,000 over his or her lifetime.  A resident
of Payson also mentioned crime and the decay of neighborhoods as a result of
illegal immigration as another concern.  The essential conclusion of the
discussion is that illegal immigration negatively impacts Payson and that
the federal government has failed in its duty to secure the border and to
enforce immigration laws within the United States, and, therefore, it
behooves the town council to address the issue.

The first proposed ordinance would require that all businesses sign an
affidavit stating that their employees are legally eligible to work in the
U.S. in order to acquire, renew, or maintain a business license and maintain
their I-9's for inspection. Any business that doesn't comply would have its
license revoked.  According to legal council present at the meeting, it is a
felony to lie on an affidavit required by a government agency.   The city is
working on an effective enforcement mechanism.  Suggestions include hiring
someone to enforce the ordinance and requiring that construction companies
post their license number on all vehicles at a construction site.  Several
members of the council indicated that they want this ordinance "to have
teeth."  They are determined to have an ordinance that will deter businesses
from hiring illegal workers. It is the intent of the council that business
knows that if they hire illegal workers, they will not be able to acquire a
business license, and they will be shut down.

The second ordinance would require renters to not rent to anyone who is not
legally in the United States.  Though the details have not been worked out,
it appears that if the renter doesn't comply with the provisions, they will
not be granted a license or have one renewed.

Payson, Arizona, is yet another example of a local government moving to
enact laws to deal with the issue of illegal immigration.  Many states and
localities maintain that the federal government has not enforced immigration
law or secured the nation's borders and that the negative impact of illegal
immigration is affecting the quality of life in their state or town.  There
is no doubt that state and local governments are going to continue passing
laws to deal with this issue, looking for every conceivable mechanism to
reduce illegal immigration.   For more information, you can view the town
council session online.