This is good news but it begs the question: where were these “lawmakers” before the economy went south? — Ed.
Some Nebraska lawmakers said the state can nolonger ignore the issue of illegal immigration and are considering aplan that would require all businesses to verify the immigration statusof anyone they hire.A report by the Legislature’s JudiciaryCommittee said Nebraska is quickly becoming divided into two groups:one that enjoys the rights of citizenship and one that works andcontributes but can never progress in society.”We are not going to be complacent in a system that creates an underclass of workers,” said Sen. Brad Ashford.
Ashford wants state companies to check the status of new hires throughthe federal E-Verify system. Fremont businessman Bill Ekeler said justposting E-Verify signs in business windows is already proving to be adeterrent.”(They’re) sending a very strong sign to illegalimmigrants that Fremont is no longer a safe haven with noconsequences,” Ekeler said.Lawmakers said they’re looking forways to defuse the growing resentment that’s building against illegalimmigrants in some communities.
They’re also considering creating an IDcard or a special driver’s license for undocumented workers.Lastyear, Gov. Dave Heineman pushed a bill to prevent undocumented workersfrom receiving state or local benefits. Last summer, Fremont leadersnarrowly rejected a proposal to outlaw renting homes or apartments toillegal immigrants.”We need to do everything we can to get every single illegal immigrant out of this state,” said Omaha resident Tim Vaughn.”Denyingthese workers the right to belong, then summarily disposing of themafter they have used up their bodies and excluded them from citizenshiprights seems inconsistent with our values,” said University ofNebraska-Omaha professor Lourdes Gouveia. (Reach her here)There are somequestions about the accuracy of the E-Verify system and whetherrequiring its use will make a difference because most major employersalready use it.
“They are really going to get farmers or the small contractor,” said Sen. John Wrightman.But others said the state needs to do something.”Yourjob as elected officials is to make sure the few jobs you have inNebraska are held by citizens and legal immigrants who have the rightto work,” said immigration reform advocate Susan Tully.**
** We have to wonder if Ms. Tully is including European immigrants in her reform ideas.