Employers Oppose Hiring Provisions in Immigration Bill

[EV_Ares]

By Krissah Williams
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, June 3, 2007; Page A06

(((can u believe it, employers upset about the possibility of being held liable for hiring an illegal, they want to put all the blame on the person wanting the job)))

As Congress reconvenes this week, businesses and their lobbyists are gearing up to fight a series of proposed changes to immigration law that they say will complicate hiring.

Their target is Senate legislation that would legalize an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants but also significantly change employment law. Among employers' top concerns is a provision imposing criminal liability for employers if their subcontractors hire illegal workers. The legislation would also increase civil penalties for employers caught hiring illegal workers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/02/AR2007060201081.html?hpid=topnews

[wakeme2008]

1. This is the ONLY thing that will reduce the illegals in the US

IMHO.

[NC_Nurse]

6. Exactly!

These employers are making out like bandits while the immigrants are exploited and the rest of us are screwn.

[LiberalFighter]

2. Basic Pilot Program

The database question is a "huge sleeper issue," said Heath Weems, director of education and workforce policy for the National Association of Manufacturers. Employers like to point out that meatpacker Swift & Co. was voluntarily using the Basic Pilot screening program when a Department of Homeland Security raid last year discovered that hundreds of workers were illegal. Employers have complained that Basic Pilot's data is often out of date, particularly when people have changed their names or immigration status. If the database doesn't recognize the new name, the employee cannot be legally hired.

The White House and the senators who are shepherding the immigration legislation have said tougher employment verification requirements are essential to stem illegal immigration. The Bush administration released a statement last week saying that Basic Pilot will be up to speed for the task and that it verifies 92 percent of workers as eligible for employment within three seconds. It flags potential problems with the others at the same speed.

Is this a database of everyone in the United States or just legal immigrants?

[papau]

3. just those on work visa are in database - others produce drivers license and claim

citizenship. (check to make sure valid SS number may be part of it)

So they are only checking those not having fake ID's.

[LiberalFighter]

4. According to their website

Which employees should be verified through the system?

As a participant in the EEV Program, employers are required to verify all newly hired employees, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Employers may not verify selectively, and must verify all new hires while participating in the program. The program may not be used to prescreen applicants for employment, go back and check employees hired before the company signed the MOU, or re-verify employees who have temporary work authorization.

[papau]

8. That is why I thought they may be doing a SS # check - but it is the visa database that is

new.

I did not see anything the employer did for a citizen with a valid SS#.

Perhaps the gun background check will finally be cleaned up and used for illegals - don't know - the NRA may object.

The only word used is "database" and that no doubt could be as extensive as you could imagine - but the debate so far does not seem to have anyone worrying about a file on every American concept.

As explained to me it was a check of the right to work, with work permit type visa checks and valid Social Security Number checks (perhaps). The Congress voted down the combined all states criminal data base - so there may be some conflict if it goes beyond SS #.

[Rydz777]

5. Excuse me if I'm sceptical about any program that the Bush

regime certifies as "up to speed." They just let the "TB guy" into the country even though their program had flagged "keep him out." No doubt Bush thought Brownie and FEMA were "up to speed" before Katrina. And our pre-war intelligence on Iraq was "up to speed." Might as well call Bush's immigration project "a slam dunk."

[rasputin1952]

7. this is typical of the "business class" and RW'ers in general...

NEVER accept responsibility of ones actions...it is ALWAYS the fault of someone else.

I stand by what I said years ago...those that hire illegals should be arrested, tried and sent to prison if convicted. Instantaneous end to hiring illegals. No work, no illegals...duh.

caveat: I ave np problem w/legal immigrants, none what-so-ever; I find it appalling that laws are not respected by either border crossers or those that enact such laws. I also see it as a slap in the face for all who came here legally, went through the process and became citizens. These people have added immeasurable benefits to this nation, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for them.