Lawmaker proposes punishing businesses hiring illegal immigrants

Associated Press - December 31, 2007 1:25 PM ET

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A Republican legislator wants businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants to be punished.

State Representative Frank Lasee (lah-SAY') of Bellevue is proposing legislation to fine employers $5,000 for each illegal worker they hire.

Lasee says immigration should ideally by a federal issue. But he says it's up to states to pick up the slack if Congress won't act.

He also says such a measure would send a strong message.

Lasee says businesses that make a good faith effort to make sure all their employees are documented would be exempt from the bill.

Information from: Shawn Johnson/Wisconsin Public Radio