A stalled immigration bill in South Carolina may move under a compromise passed by Senators in the state. The House had previously passed a measure that would allow employers to meet sanctions requirements if they properly complete I-9 forms as well as use the E-Verify system. The Senate has insisted on requiring E-Verify. The Senate is now proposing allowing the SC drivers license database to be used in addition to E-Verify and a new form resembling the I-9 that will be designed for use in South Carolina. Employers with more than 100 employees would need to start complying in July 2009 and smaller companies would have an extra year. The compromise language also includes a private right of action that would allow employees terminated from their jobs when the employer has unauthorized workers.
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has threatened to veto the bill if changes aren’t made. He is particularly concerned that the bill cannot be enforced and that the E-Verify system is rife with errors. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell has drawn fire for saying the governor used Nazi-style propaganda tactics.