The Daily News 
3/29/07

Indiana A house committee voted to advance legislation that would, according to Inside Indiana Business, punish employers who knowingly hire illegal workers.  The provision would call for fining employers $5,000 for each offense and a stiff $25,000 fine for each subsequent offense.  In addition, employers could not claim illegal workers as a tax deduction on state taxes or enter into public contracts with the state or entity thereof.  Inside Indiana Business

California Mel Kay, the president and founder of Golden State Fence Company and manager Michael McLaughlin had previously pleaded guilty in federal court to knowingly hiring illegal aliens.  Each one was sentenced to six months home confinement, 1042 hours of community service, and 3 years probation.  For background on the case, see my article:  Golden State Executives Plead Guilty to Hiring Illegal Workers

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, in her state of the state address, called for the federal government to send National Guard Troops to the Mexican Border.  Furthermore, the governor is advocating punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens though she didn’t furnish details as to how the state might accomplish this. 

The Business Journal, Phoenix   Payson, Arizona, passed a new ordinance last week that says that businesses who knowingly hire illegal workers will lose their business license and will have to pay a fee (not yet decided) of $500 to reinstate it and perhaps $1,000 on the second offense. Any employer who wants to apply for or renew a business license must state sign an affidavit stating that it its workers are legal. The ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2007; however, businesses that apply for a license or apply to renew a license must sign such an affidavit now. San Diego.Com

Special Session

Maryland Dozens of suspected illegal immigrants have been arrested in Baltimore, perhaps 50, in raids on a temporary agency’s offices. Exact numbers have not been released.   The investigation appears to still be in progress. The Benton Crier

The Daily News 
3/28/07

New Jersey Mayor Donald Cresitello of Morristown has asked ICE to train and deputize approximately 10 of its local police agents so that they will be able to enforce immigration law.  The city council added their support in a 6-1 vote Tuesday night. Critics say that it will polarize the city on racial lines. The Star Ledger 

The Daily News 
3/27/07

Kentucky Jian Chai Lin was sentenced to six months home confinement and two years of probation for knowingly hiring illegal workers at his Golden China Buffet restaurant.  In addition, he must forfeit $42,788 that ICE agents had previously seized.  He brother was found guilty of similar charges and both men will face deportation proceedings after their sentences are complete.  Mr. Lin’s case serves as another example of how the federal government is now imposing criminal, not just civil, penalties upon employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. Kentucky.com

Maryland The State House approved legislation that will allow in-state-tuition for illegal immigrants provided that they graduate from a Maryland high school and apply within to college within five years of graduation. Delaware Online, the News Journal 

National The ACLU has published a list of local immigration ordinances that it is opposing in court on the grounds that these ordinances are “unconstitutional in their attempt to bypass federal immigration laws and violate federal (and often state) anti-discrimination laws. “  The ACLU’s site has articles summarizing each of the ordinances that they are contesting.  
 
 
The Daily News 
3/26/07

Arizona A state lawmaker, Representative Russell Pierce, is working on a petition drive to get some immigration measures on the ballot for voters to decide.   One controversial measure would require that police officers ask anyone that they come into contact with about their immigration status.  Another would revoke a business’s license if they make a false statement, even once, about knowingly hiring illegal workers: businesses would be required to swear that they do not knowingly hire illegal workers.  In addition, illegal aliens discovered in Arizona could be charged with trespassing.  The governor previously vetoed a trespassing measure.   Lacking confidence in the legislature, Representative Pierce wants to take this issue to the people. Arizona Star 
 
Tennessee A house subcommittee killed a bill that would have allowed the Tennessee Highway Patrol to have entered into an agreement with Homeland Security to enable the THP to enforce immigration law. WATE 6, the News Station, Knoxville   
 
National It appears that the Democrats may have great difficulty passing immigration reform legislation.  They may lack the votes in their own party as pressure against the legislation mounts from labor unions. 

The Daily News 
3/22/07

Pennsylvania The Hazelton trial concluded yesterday, but according to the USA Today, it could take the judge months to rule on the complex case.  Judge Munley will give each side until early May to file more briefs.  The Immigration Relief Act, passed by the city of Hazelton, will continue to not be enforced pending the judge’s ruling. The act penalizes landlords who rent to illegal aliens and denies a business license to those who knowingly hire undocumented workers. The judge’s ruling may well set a precedent regarding the constitutionality of state and local immigration ordinances all over the nation. The USA Today

Idaho The State House passed a bill that has already passed the Senate which denies state social services to illegal immigrants.  Those who use public social services would have to demonstrate citizenship or presumably permanent residence.   Those under 18 would not be affected.   It is now going to the governor’s desk where it is expected to be approved quickly. Times-News: Magicvalley.com, Twin Falls, ID 

National The Strive Act of 2007 intends to provide a path, albeit it an arduous one, to citizenship for illegal aliens who arrived before June 1, 2006.  They would have to pay a $2,000 fine, pay back taxes, and get a worker’s visa that would be valid for six years.  During this six year period, the alien would have to learn English and civics and leave the United States and reenter legally.  The bill mandates increased security on the border and strict new rules for employers to essentially verify that all their workers are legal.  See the link below for a detailed summary of the bill. Here's the official summary of the new H-1B bill; Pelosi applauds legislation - Computerworld Blogs

The Daily News 
3/21/07

National Representative Luis V. Gutierrez and Representative Jeff Flake introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House Thursday that would allow a pathway for citizenship for millions of undocumented workers.  An illegal alien who is able to demonstrate that he or she has been in the United States since June 1, 2006, would receive a six year work visa.  The alien would have to pay a fine of $2,000 and any back taxes.  During the six years granted by the work visa, the alien would have to learn English and civics.  Then, he or she could apply for permanent residence.   In addition, the bill will call for increased border security, increased employer verification of workers, and a new guest worker program. The New York Times

Pennsylvania Several representatives in the Pennsylvania legislature have proposed a group of immigration bills.  One bill would require all employers in the Keystone state to participate in the federal government’s Basic Pilot Program to help ensure that employees are legally eligible to work in the United States.  Another provision would terminate the business license of any company that knowingly hires illegal aliens.  In addition, welfare, unemployment and all but emergency services would be denied to illegal immigrants. The Pittsburg Tribune Review 

Kansas Some immigration bills are making progress or have been passed by the Kansas State Legislature.   The Kansas City Star has a list of bills:

HB 2367: Prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits, repeals law granting in-state public college                    tuition to illegal immigrants.

HB 2370: Requires police to check citizenship status of suspects in crimes.

HB 2140: Makes English the state’s official language. Passed House and Senate.

SB 169: Requires voters to present proof of citizenship when they register. Passed Senate.

SB 260: Prohibits public contractors from hiring illegal immigrants.

The Kansas City Star

The Daily News 
3/19/07

New York The Suffolk County Legislature defeated a bill, introduced ostensibly to protect public safety that would have prevented day laborers from congregating near public roadways.  According to the New York Times, the bill never specifically mentions day laborers, but that was the intention.  The New York Times 

Tennessee Democrats in the State House succeeded in defeating two immigration related bills:  one would have mandated that driver’s license tests be only in English; the other would have established an agreement with Homeland Security to allow the training of some highway patrol officers to enforce immigration laws.   One of the critics of the law said that in today’s global economy, Tennessee must welcome foreign investment.  Both measures had passed the Senate. The City Paper

A House Committee advanced a program that will essentially attempt to stop illegal immigrants from obtaining a driver’s license.  Visitors with a visa would be allowed to obtain a temporary license for the duration of their visa.  The measure has already passed the senate.  Actions News 5, WMC TV, Memphis 

National According to the Los Angeles Times, two representatives in the House are planning to introduce a comprehensive immigration reform bill on Thursday which would provide for a guest worker program, “stiffen worker verification programs and overhaul the visa system to reduce waiting times for legal immigrants.”  The bill would require increased border security and enforcement of immigration laws within the U.S. The Time says, “Illegal immigrants would be eligible for legalization if they arrived in the U.S. before June 1, 2006. They would have to pay a $2,000 fine and back taxes, and pass background and security checks. If after six years they have learned English and civics, kept a clean record, and the head of household has left and reentered the U.S. legally, they could become legal permanent residents, a step toward citizenship.” The Los Angeles Times

Pennsylvania Closing arguments are expected to begin in the Hazleton trial tomorrow.  The trial is significant because it raises the question of what authority state and local governments have under the constitution to pass laws that deal with immigration.  

The Daily News 
3/17/07

California The city of Mission Viejo passed an ordinance that requires that the city and any contractors that do business with the city verify that any new (potential) employees are legally eligible to work by participating in the federal government’s Basic Pilot Program.  In this program, employee social security numbers are submitted to the government which checks to ensure that names and numbers match.   The ordinance will go into effect in July. Judicial Watch 

Tennessee The senate passed a bill that authorizes the Tennessee Highway Patrol to enforce immigration laws.  Troopers would have to receive training and be certified.  Then, after Tennessee enters into an agreement with Homeland Security, state troopers could enforce immigration law in the course of their duty. ABC Channel 24, Memphis        
National Yesterday, Senator Edward Kennedy reiterated that immigration legislation, despite opposition, will make it to the floor by June.  Efforts to pass immigration reform legislation are continuing, albeit with fierce opposition in the House and the Senate.  The Daily News                       

The Daily News 
3/16/07

California According to the Los Angeles Times,  Mission Viejo is about to become one of the first cities in the United States to require that contractors who do business with the city use the Basic Pilot Program to help ensure that their workers are legal.  The Los Angeles Times  

The Daily News 
3/15/07

Arizona The Arizona House passed approved immigration legislation on Thursday that will provide severe penalties for businesses that knowingly hire undocumented workers: heavy fines, felony charges, and even being driven out of business.  In addition, the bill will require businesses to sign an affidavit swearing that they do not knowingly hire undocumented workers. The Arizona Daily Star 

Oregon A number of immigration bills have been introduced in the state legislature.  

• HB 3516 would make illegal immigrants ineligible for welfare benefits.

• HB 3513 would bar undocumented aliens from working on projects financed by state grants or loans.

• HB 3514 would forbid employers from deducting wages paid to undocumented employees on their state taxes.

• HB 3509 would require employers who receive assistance from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department to verify that employees are eligible to work in the U.S. The Oregonian 

 Missouri  A Missouri senate committee is debating immigration legislation which would require businesses to verify that their workers are legal by participating in the Basic Pilot Program.   In addition, employers must submit information on their worker’s legal work status to the Department of Revenue.  Submitting erroneous information about employees could result in not being able to claim their wages as a deduction on state income taxes.   The Kansas City Star

The Daily News 
3/14/07

North Carolina: Davidson County commissioners voted 4-3 against requiring any business contracting with the county to provide I-9’s to the county for all its employees.  One county commissioner accused the chairman of the board of commissioners of trying to get votes:  “Federal law already requires companies to have the forms for each new employee they hire as proof they have verified an employee’s legal status,” the commissioner said.   The Dispatch Online  

California: Assemblywoman Sharon Runner introduced legislation, AB 1615, that would require contractors doing business with the state to participate in the Basic Pilot Program to help ensure that their workers are legal.  In addition, the bill would require that state agencies verify the employment records of contractors or bidders.Santa Clarita, KHTS

Alabama:There are seven immigration bills that have been proposed in the state legislature.  Here is a list of some of the bills. 

• HB 286 would deny state economic incentives to those who are in the country illegally.

• HB 291 would make it a felony for illegal immigrants to register to vote or to attempt to register.  In addition, it would be a felony for others to aide illegals in registering.

• HB 290 says that illegal immigrants would have to forfeit property in a traffic stop.  A person must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, or proof that he or she is legally in the U.S.

• HB 287 requires that anyone who applies for renews a professional license must demonstrate that he or she is legally in the U.S.

• HB 288 denies nonessential services to illegal aliens, excepting children.

• HB 289 says that a person stopped by a police officer could have his or her vehicle impounded if they cannot present a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, or demonstrate that they are in the country legally.

The Decatur Daily News

Pennsylvania:Mayor Barletta of Hazelton testified today, defending Hazelton’s immigration ordinance which prohibits landlords from renting to illegal aliens and employers from hiring them.   The mayor cited public safety and the drain on the city’s budget and services as the reason for passing the ordinance.  According to the Morning Call Online, the mayor was not able to identify how many illegal immigrants are in Hazelton, offer any statistics to demonstrate that schools or hospitals were overcrowded, or demonstrate statistically how the quality of life in Hazleton has deteriorated as a result of illegal immigration.  The attorney for the plaintiffs said that Hazleton’s crime rate has grown in proportion to the growth in population, no more.The Morning Call Online           

National:Are the Republicans in congress working behind the scenes on immigration reform? See the article in the Politico. 

The Daily News 
3/13/07

National:  According to the New York Times, President Bush is trying to mend relations with Mexico by promising to work assiduously to pass immigration reform legislation. He met with the Mexican president, Felipe Calderon, in Merida.  “My pledge to you and your government, but more importantly the people of Mexico, is that I will work as hard as I can to pass comprehensive immigration reform,” said the President, once again demonstrating his commitment to solve the nation’s immigration crisis. The New York Times

Idaho:  The Senate passed a bill Monday that would deprive illegal aliens of most local, state, and federal public assistance.  The bill will now move to the House for consideration.  Immigration News Daily

Pennsylvania:  The New York Times has an article that summarizes what has happened so far in the Hazelton trial.  Hazelton’s chief lawyer opened by talking about how the city was responding to a very real threat.  For more details, see the article at the New York Times. The New York Times  

The Daily News

3/12/07

Arizona:  Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents raided Sun Dry Wall and Stucco Inc. of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and arrested eight suspected illegal immigrants.   (Approximately 30 had been arrested prior to the raid.)  The president of the company and seven other employees have been charged with knowingly hiring and harboring illegal workers.  The Houston Chronicle

KVOA News 4, Tucson, Arizona - Arrests mark new approach for employers hiring illegal immigrants 

Mississippi:  The Mississippi Employee Protection Act, which prohibits employers who hire illegal workers from doing business in the state, is scheduled to go to a conference between the Mississippi State House and Senate to iron out differences. Action News 5 Memphis

Iowa:  Shui Ming Lin was convicted of hiring illegal workers in his Iowa restaurant.  There will be a presentencing hearing in on May 29^th.WHO TV - Des Moines: Restaurant owner convicted on harboring illegal immigrants

Conviction In Swift Raid:  One of the Swift workers detained in the Marshalltown immigration raid, Lorena Andrade Rodriguez, was found guilty of five counts that related to the use of a stolen social security card.Times Republican

National:  C-span has about two and a half hours of a hearing on immigration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  You can view it online.  After clicking the link, scroll down to view the program.   C-Span 

The Daily News

3/8/07

National:  According to the Silicon Valley/ San Jose Business Journal, Representative Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, introduced legislation that would require U.S. financial institutions to accept only “secure forms of identification.”    Financial transactions would be restricted to those who are legally in the U.S.  This bill is no doubt a response to Bank of America’s much criticized program to offer credit cards and bank accounts to illegal aliens.The Silicon Valley/ San Jose Business Journal 

West Virginia: The House of Delegates has passed a measure that-if enacted, will punish employers who knowingly hire illegal workers with fines and/or the forfeiture of their business license, and even jail time.The Charleston Gazette - News News::House Passes Illegal Worker Bill   Charleston Daily Mail

In Ohio County, West Virginia, police arrested 3 suspected illegal aliens employed by Prestige Maintenance USA cleaning a Target Store.  The police had apparently become suspicious when then had responded to what turned out to be a false burglar alarm 24 earlier.  The three Guatemalan nationals are now in federal custody.  Undocumented Immigrants Working In Ohio County - News

Pennsylvania:  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has joined the ACLU in opposing Hazelton, Pennsylvania’s immigration ordinances, which attempt to prevent employers from hiring illegal workers and to require that landlords only rent to legal residents of the United States.  The case is going before a federal court on Monday.  The current ordinances have been temporarily suspended by a federal judge.  The Chamber of Commerce argues that, “the law violates due process protections because it doesn't give a business accused of hiring an illegal worker the right to challenge an allegation before losing its right to operate.  This case is exceedingly important because it may well set a precedent for constitutional challenges to local and state immigration laws and ordinances nationwide. Chamber takes on law aimed at illegal workers - USATODAY.com 

Tennessee:  Raw data from the Nashville area highlights problems with state and local immigration laws.   Hispanics account for 21.1% of all drivers pulled over by police and subsequently discovered to be driving without a license.  Sixty-one percent of Hispanics were issued a warrant; 23.7% received a citation for operating a motor vehicle without a license.  Results from the general population are the opposite:  Only 25.8% received a warrant and 66.7% received a citation for driving without a license. Davidson County Sheriff’s Deputies are undergoing training that will allow them to check the immigration status of those arrested.  WKRN Nashville 

Idaho:  The senate approved a resolution declaring emphatically that English is the state’s official language.  SR.com: Idaho Senate passes English-as-official-language bill 

The Daily News

3/7/07

National:   In a commentary highly critical of upcoming immigration reform legislation in the U.S. Senate, CNN commentator, Lou Dobbs, predicted that the Senate and the House will pass immigration reform legislation.  CNN

Tennessee:  Governor Bredesen announced that he is considering vetoing a senate bill, if it is also passed by the House, which requires that written driver’s license examinations be given only in English.  Free Republic (AP article) 

There are a number of immigration bills meandering through the legislature.  The following list is from the Tennessee Business Immigration Coalition. 

“SB 202 by Ketron, HB 729 by Hood—Creates Class E felony for "recklessly" or "knowingly" hiring an undocumented immigrant. 

SB 204 by Ketron, HB 727 by Hood—Makes knowingly employing an "individual who has illegally entered the United States" a Class A misdemeanor (currently a Class B misdemeanor); mandates that TN Department of Labor conduct study on the impact of illegal immigration on state and local governments. 

SB 254 by Haynes, HB 74 by Turner—Requires employers to become immigration experts and affirmatively verify immigration status of employees. 

SB 903 by Ketron, HB 1274 Lynn—Tax Relief for Undocumented Immigrants Act: prohibits immigrants from paying federal income tax with an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). 

SB 906 by Ketron, HB 1273 Lynn—Requires public employers to check immigrant work authorizations with Basic Pilot program. 

SB 931 by Ketron, HB 429 by DuBois—Eliminates excise/franchise tax credits for any person who knowingly hires an immigrant "who is not authorized to be present in the United States." 

SB 1240 by Kilby, HB 1639 by Ferguson —Allows revocation of license for any business assessed federal penalty for employing an undocumented immigrant; creates $10,000 fine for knowingly employing an "individual who has illegally entered the United States." 

SB 1581 by Herron, HB 684 by Fitzhugh—Creates Class A misdemeanor for "recklessly" or "knowingly" hiring an undocumented immigrant. 

SB 1739 by Ketron, HB 1322 by West —Creates special licensing requirements for the hospitality industry. 

SB 1870 by Johnson, HB 877 by Johnson P—Requires employers to become immigration experts and affirmatively verify immigration status of employees.”

The Tennessee Business Immigration Coalition: SLEW OF ANTI-EMPLOYER IMMIGRATION BILLS PENDING IN TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE    

Missouri: The House has approved legislation that states that, “Companies caught employing illegal immigrants would forfeit their state tax credits under a bill endorsed by the House on Wednesday.”  In addition, all state proceedings must be conducted in English.STLtoday - News  

Jefferson, City Missouri:   A tip from a state employee led to the arrest of 25 employees suspected of working illegally in the U.S. at Sam’s Janitorial Services.   The said employees were working in nine state office buildings in Jefferson City.   Governor Blunt issued an executive order for state agencies to audit contractors to ensure that their workers are legal.  You can read an article and watch a news report on the story by following the link below.KSDK NewsChannel 5 - Blunt: State Contractor Apparently Hired Illegal Immigrants