The content in Legislative Update is crossposted from Siskind Susser’s blogs, and follows the federal and state laws, regulations, and legislative proposals that impact the lives of immigrants. Check out our blog index for listings of the latest blog entries.
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NEBRASKA TOWN TABLES IMMIGRATION BILL AND REFERENDUM
The Fremont City Council has decided to indefinitely postpone consideration of a bill and a referendum that would bar hiring illegally present immigrants. City leaders argued that the measure is barred under federal law.
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MISSOURI HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REQUIRE GOV'T AGENCIES TO USE E-VERIFY
The bill passed by a 125-30 margin and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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MISSOURI SENATOR EMBRACES TARGETING EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGALLY PRESENT IMMIGRANTS
The Houston Chronicle reports that Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill is backing the White House plan to crack down on illegal immigration by targeting unscrupulous employers rather than the immigrant workers.
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GEORGIA LEGISLATURE SENDS E-VERIFY BILL TO GOVERNOR
Georgia's Legislature has passed House Bill 2 which would require state employers and all businesses contracting or subcontracting with the state to use E-Verify.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Governor Sonny Perdue has not made up his mind yet whether he'll sign the bill.
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TEXAS EMPLOYERS PUSH BACK ON PROPOSED SANCTIONS BILL
A Texas television station reports on industry groups fighting Senate Bill 357 which would sanction companies that hire illegal immigrants and pay them in cash.
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SC COUNTY ORDINANCE STALLS WHEN IMMIGRATION SANCTIONS ARE ADDED
The Greenville News (SC) reports on efforts to pass a county ordinance that would require all businesses outside municipal limits to pay a $15 annual fee to register with the county. An attempt by Councilman Sid Cates to add a provision that would revoke a business license if a business employs illegally present immigrants and requiring businesses to sign a statement under penalty of perjury stating that they don't has drawn substantial opposition and the bill has now stalled.
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COURT STRIKES DOWN OREGON TOWN'S SANCTIONS LAW
A Colombia County, Oregon judge has thrown out a county ordinance that allows the county to fine or shut down businesses caught hiring illegally present immigrants. Judge Ted Grove found that the measure was unenforceable because it conflicts with federal and state law.
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COURT SIDES WITH RHODE ISLAND GOVERNOR IN E-VERIFY POLICY
A superior court in Providence, Rhode Island has ruled that Governor Carcieri's order requiring employers doing business with the state use E-Verify is legal. The state's ACLU chapter filed the suit saying the governor acted outside his gubernatorial authority. The ACLU has vowed to appeal the decision to the state's Supreme Court.
