The Wall Street Journal in the July 9th issue reports that the Obama administration is implementing a Bush-era initiated program aimed at cracking down on federal contractors that hire illegal aliens. It is about time!
Naturally, the business community is not happy with this move since they are the very ones who benefit the most from underpaid and under-the-table labor. It is estimated the crackdown will affect about 170,000 companies from health care to construction to weapons makers and more. It includes all companies who receive government business or federal stimulus funds.
The program mandates all employees be checked through the government’s E-Verify system to see whether or not they are entitled to work in the United States of America. This system checks names and Social Security numbers with a government database. Invalid equals no job.
The program goes into effect September 8th. It is a favorite of those who favor strong enforcement of U.S. Immigration laws. Republican senators managed to amend a budget bill for the Department of Homeland Security with a provision that makes this program permanent by law thereby removing any White House discretion to end it. The bill which must be reconciled with the House version could go to a final vote later this week.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Professional Services Council (a major trade and lobbying group for government contractors), and the American Civil Liberties Union are unhappy. Not only are new hires to be screened, but all existing employees are to have their status checked as well. If workers are found to be in the U.S. illegally, contractors are supposed to fire them. The “employers” are whining about potentially being responsible for compliance.
This is a very positive move by the current administration. It is one very significant factor in regaining control over our national borders and enforcement of U.S. law. The next move should be to engage all local law enforcement agencies in the effort.