Posted on 03/01/2011 9:40:25 PM PST by dragnet2
Amid a number of bills filed in Texas that address the issue of illegal immigration, one, proposed by Republican state Rep. Debbie Riddle, stands out.
As proposed, House Bill 2012 would create tough state punishments for those who "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly" hire an unauthorized immigrant. Violators could face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
But it is an exception included in the bill that is drawing attention. Those who hire unauthorized immigrants would be in violation of the law -- unless they are hiring a maid, a lawn caretaker or another houseworker.
It is a tough immigration bill with a soft side that protects those who hire unauthorized immigrants "for the purpose of obtaining labor or other work to be performed exclusively or primarily at a single-family residence."
Texas state Rep. Aaron Pena, a Democrat, said the exception is a wise one.
"With things as they are today, her bill will see a large segment of the Texas population in prison" if it passes without the exception, he said.
"When it comes to household employees or yard workers, it is extremely common for Texans to hire people who are likely undocumented workers," Pena said. "It is so common, it is overlooked."
The Texas legislature convenes only once every two years, so Texas has not passed tough anti-illegal immigration laws like some other states. The result has been that unauthorized immigrants in those states are relocating to Texas, Berman said.
Riddle did not return repeated calls for comment. Her office said she would not comment on the bill because it could still be modified.
In a interview with the Texas Tribune, Riddle's chief of staff, Jon English, explained that the exception was to avoid "stifling the economic engine" in Texas.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
No, it won't do anything.
Punishments for those who "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly" hire an unauthorized immigrant. Violators could face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Ya see without mandatory verification, they will continue to claim they did not knowingly or intentionally do anything....Same old story.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know how he could sign it....
Ya can’t make illegal alien labor legal for some and illegal for others...
It just reeks...
I think part of Riddles’ motivation for introducing these bills is that she hopes that if she can get one to Perry’s
desk, and he refuses to sign it (which is possible) it will tarnish him and ruin his re-election chances.
He would be branded soft on border security. Riddle might be thinking about a run for Governor. She fancies herself as the Jan Brewer of Texas. Shes a little wing-nuttish, but I hope the bill passes nonetheless.
“Ya see without mandatory verification, they will continue to claim they did not knowingly or intentionally do anything....Same old story”
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Could be. But, if some high profile employers are taken down it will put a scare into all of em. And then when the Rangers come a knockin... people at these employers will turn on one another to get immunity deals and then all the collusion and fraud in hiring documents etc... ALL that chit will come out.
It would be VERY entertaining to watch. If the law passes, they will HAVE to give a grace period to let employers rid themselves or get REAL verification on their people.
NOT that faked up paperwork they all hide behind now. I’m going to apply to be an inspector. I’ll be a hard-a$$ too.
and they are trying so hard to figure why the recent Texas demographer said ‘THE ANGLOS ARE DONE FOR’...
People in Texas are hyping about their state but this stupidity is as blatant as what A DEM would make here in Mexifornia.
the economic engine is not stoked by importing poverty from Mexico.
Ya think!
Doing the jobs that Americans won’t do!
Look, if you are going to have a bill barring illegal immigrants from working, can’t we at least have one that actually works?
Exactly...We’d expect this from the current corrupt government socialist running CA.
That whole equal protection clause thingy.
So bad, unconstitutional legislation is ok?
Why do the legislatures waste time and money on these bills? They are pointless. All it means is that everyone who wants an exemption will get an exemption.
Oh, I agree. I don’t know how anyone could go along with this scheme.
If I am reading this correctly, it still doesn’t make the immigrant’s being here legal, it just excepts homeowners that have used them for lawn work, etc. from punishment. If Texas will actively deport and/or jail the illegals, and enforce the laws we already have, we can solve the illegal immigrant problem we have. The bill’s wording makes it look like it encourages illegal hiring, however, and ought to be worded differently? BTW, I live in Texas.
“the economic engine is not stoked by importing poverty from Mexico”
Yes it is. If you can get an illegal alien to do the house or yard work, you can go get another job outside the house that pays more. That leverage stokes the economy.
“...Doing the jobs that Americans won’t do!...”
No work, no welfare checks or bennies. Problem solved. American bums will have to work for the first time in their life.
The Republicans can pass any law they like and this is the best they can come up with? Why keep voting for them?
Has it occurred to anyone that this exception is intended to protect homeowners that don't have the resources to check out a potential employee?
Have you ever tried to use E-Verify? It's not a simple task even to get started, before you check out a single employee.
“If I am reading this correctly, it still doesn’t make the immigrant’s being here legal, it just excepts homeowners that have used them for lawn work, etc. from punishment. If Texas will actively deport and/or jail the illegals, and enforce the laws we already have, we can solve the illegal immigrant problem we have”
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Exactly...... Housewives who hire Juana to clean once or twice a week are not engaging in the same kind of systematic
fraud that large employers do.
The large employers have the means to really know if a Mexican is legally here or not. But... they hide behind all
that faked up “verification” paperwork that everybody knows is bull-chit.
The Texas “Republicans” who wink and nod at this BS are going to be uncovered when they place their vote.
Remember how your Rep votes!!
Ping!
That’s my plan.
The only reason to hire illegals is because you don’t have to pay them benefits. Take away all the penalties then people will hire Texans. It shouldn’t cost a business more to do the right thing.
Has it occurred to you people are *repeatedly* told to check the references, and business licenses of those how come on to your property to perform work?
Do you know why all responsible homeowners do this?
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