CHARLESTON, S.C. - Thousands of undocumented workers in the Palmetto State could be denied workers' compensation coverage, including lost wages and medical bills stemming from work-related injuries, under a proposed bill in the Statehouse.

The bill was introduced earlier this year by two Upstate lawmakers and stalled in committee.

Supporters say illegal immigrants often commit fraud, such as fake Social Security and green cards, to obtain jobs and that should make them ineligible to collect benefits.

"We are talking about people who committed crimes that are punishable under current laws not receiving benefits," said Rep. Bill Sandifer, R-Seneca and one of the bill's co-sponsors. "That's the bottom line."

Opponents say the proposed bill is anti-Hispanic. Some argue it would encourage employers to hire illegal immigrants for dangerous jobs, knowing they won't have to pick up the tab if a worker is hurt.

"Local laws are trying to address a federal issue," said Jose Quinonez, founder of the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization BlueLatinos.org. "This is no longer a Southwest issue. It affects all states."

Other local attempts to restrict the activities of illegal immigrants include an ordinance passed last year in Myrtle Beach that requires all people to present identification and documents that prove they are legally allowed to work before they can get a business license.

"You would have to be able to prove to the city's satisfaction that you are who you say you are and that you can work in this country," Myrtle Beach spokesman Mark Kruea said. "I'm not aware that we have a problem with it or have had to make use of it."

Quinonez said a better solution would be federal immigration reforms to let illegal workers in the United States get temporary worker status.

"The fact is, there are 6 (million) to 7 million undocumented workers in our economy today," he said. "They have no sense of protections."