Immigration Crackdown's Backers Have Their Say

Kansas House bills 2836 and 2680 would require employers to check all employees for legal status through a database called E-Verify. House Bill 2921 encourages employers to use the system to avoid liability for hiring illegal workers, but would not mandate it. E-Verify checks names and identification numbers with the Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Bigger Fines for Hiring Unauthorized Workers
The federal government is raising the fines against employers that violate federal immigration laws. Under the new rule civil fines will increase by as much as $5,000 as they are adjusted for inflation. The new rule will take effect on March 27, 2008, and will be published in the Federal Register.

Employment Verification Requirements Passes Committee
The Utah Senate panel has approved a bill aimed at requiring companies that contract with the state use a federal Internet-based system to check employees' work eligibility.

US Presidential Initiatives Boost Immigration Reforms and Border
On on January 28, 2008, President George W. Bush delivered an important message on strengthening U.S. immigration in his State of the Union Address. While millions of Americans watched, he stated, "America needs to secure our borders -- and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We're increasing worksite enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings. We've effectively ended the policy of "catch and release" at the border, and by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents. Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals."