Speech #980210430

I would like to explain my position on these three issues and at the same 31059 08742 (PL 11) time correct and lament the misinformation that has appeared so much in public. in the press. on TV. and even on the floor of this House. unfortunately. Personally. I am convinced that we must impose sanctions on those employers who hire illegal aliens. After all. most illegal aliens come to this country to work. If you make it illegal for them to be hired. then you reduce the inducement to come. Under present law it is a crime for illegal aliens to work but prefectly legal for employers to hire these people. Employers can therefore benefit from an illegal act by their employees without fear of penalty to themselves. obviously a very foolish way to have a law operate. Many. if nc. most. of the illegal aliens are too afraid to approach Government officials. and unscrupulous employers have taken advantage of this to pay less than the minimum wage and to provide unsafe working conditions. something we should not allow to continue. The procedures for verifying the employment status of any potential job seeker are not onerous under the provisions of this bill and should not. if properly applied by the employer. discriminate against any illegal alien or any legal alien or citizen. The bills fourstep penalty procedure would not hurt an innocent employer who unwillingly hires an illegal alien. The bill makes it a crime to knowinglylet me emphasizethe bill makes it a crime to knowingly hire an illegal alien. and it offers a goodfaith defense if the employer has sought to verify. in accordance with the bill. the employment status of the job seeker. Some opponents of the bill have argued that employer sanctions would induce an employer to reject all foreignlooking applicants. But the bill does not in any way diminish existing antidiscrimination laws. and it requires the investigation and monitoring of all allegations of discrimination.