Panel backs immigration rules

S.C. bill would restrict private employers

By Zane Wilson - zwilson@thesunnews.com

COLUMBIA --

Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, said sentiment has changed since the House passed its version of the bill two months ago.

Constituents have been calling and e-mailing with demands that all employers be required to comply with the law, said Viers, a member of the conference committee on the bill.

The House bill provided penalties only for people with state or local government contracts.

The three House members on the panel trying to work out differences in the versions also want to remove a Senate provision allowing employers to be excused from mistakes in hiring if they use the I-9 form. They want everyone to use the newer online Everify system or see a state driver's license.

People say the I-9, which is simply kept on file by the employer, is "a huge loophole," Viers said.

That could be hard for the Senate to swallow, said Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg.

The panel also dickered over the details of a provision allowing people to sue and recover damages if they are fired and replaced with an illegal immigrant.

The House wants broader rights to sue but narrower damages than the Senate proposed.

Ritchie asked that House members of the panel put the compromise up for a vote, and if it passes the Senate, they will then try to persuade members to pass the bill.

A time for a House vote on it has not been set.

Senator Grahamnesty must be loving it! 

Right about now it must be getting really clear to him that his only hope for continuing to work on the Hill with the other elitist is to be appointed to something by a President McAmnesty. 

I sense our next Ambassador to mexico will be a former Senator from SC.....

SovereignMan