Law Hopes To Curb Illegal Immigration (TN)

wsmv.com ^ | December 25, 2007 | Catharyn Cambell

[fallingwater]

http://www.wsmv.com/news/14921363/detail.html

At the beginning of 2008, a new law goes into effect in Tennessee that will target companies that give jobs to illegal immigrants.

The state has had similar laws in the past, but this bill will allow the Department of Labor to take a more active roll.

Starting Jan. 1, businesses that knowingly employ illegal immigrants will have to pay the state.

"If you hire someone who should not be working in the state of Tennessee, we're increasing their fines, even with the threat of removing their license to conduct business in the state," said State Rep. Beth Harwell.

Some Tennessee legislators said they are taking action because the federal government is not holding up their end of the bargain to reform immigration laws, and voters are demanding change.

"We're left providing a lot of services for these folks, such as health care, such as schools for their children. And there’s no tax revenue coming into the state to provide those services, so it is a fiscal issue for the state of Tennessee,” said Harwell.

Lawmakers expect to see a downward turn in the number of illegal immigrants coming to Tennessee for jobs.

[Emmett McCarthy]

I am glad that this is being done here in Tennessee and hope that it is vigorously enforced, although I have my doubts about that latter part. It’s a disgrace that our federal government has refused to protect and defend our borders, language, culture and economic well-being from this invasion.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Gee, I’ve got the solution for the whiny states that always complain they don’t have enough revenues to balance the budget.

Impose fines and penalties and surtaxes on businesses that hire illegals . . . and do the same on the illegals themselves.

Think how much whiners like California and Michigan could make off of this. Increased revenues plus decreased expenses from having to subsidize the illegals.

[umgud]

AZ has done this. Their law takes effect Jan 1. A fed judge however, has blocked the SS admin from sending out no-match SS number letters to employers, but I think a state can still require employers to use the E-Verify database for employees.

[nyyankeefan]

if it works in AZ ~ why not TN....

2 states down.....48 more to go!!!!!

[VideoDoctor]

I'm here in Tennessee and I'd like to see if this is really followed through on in terms of enforcement.

Example: One of the largest employers of Illegals in Nashville is the Opryland Hotel.

Will they be investigated... or be immune from enforcement?

[KTM rider]

the dam is breached too little too late.

In 30 years we will be outnumbered because they breed like cats and we don't

[gubamyster]

ping

[kellynla]

GO VOLS!