Posted on Thu, May. 04, 2006

email this

print this

reprint or license this

House approves bill meant to curb illegal workers

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. - A bill meant to reduce the number of illegal immigrants working in South Carolina received key approval Thursday in the House.

The proposal requires state agencies and any company that does business with the state to check the legal status of new employees through a U.S. Department of Homeland Security electronic verification system.

The measure passed second reading with an 84-18 vote. It requires a third reading before moving to the Senate. Because the session is past the May 1 crossover deadline, the Senate must give two-thirds approval just to take up the matter.

Gov. Mark Sanford praised the House for taking "a step toward sending a message that our state won't create an incentive for illegal behavior. ... We should never be in the position of sanctioning illegal behavior with a wink and a nod."

Sanford urged the Senate to take up the issue before session's end. The governor said he's open to a bill that would go even further, like one proposed last year by Sen. Scott Richardson, R-Hilton Head Island. Under his plan, employers could be fined up to $5,000 and their licenses revoked for knowingly hiring an illegal immigrant.