[Vesuvian]

It depends- if a business willfully hires an illegal alien knowing their illegal status they will pay said worker off the books. If that's the case it is doubtful that the worker paid anything into the Worker's Comp system.

If on the other hand the worker provided forged documents, then the worker should have paid into the system, although there is now the whole fraud issue. What makes me laugh is somehow being a victim of fraud is somehow the business' fault.

What needs to be done in this country is to create some kind of worker's visa like they have in other countries- you can remain in the country and work (and enjoy benefits that come from work like Worker's Comp), but are not entitled to any welfare benefits except a ticket back home if you no longer work.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I like your idea about the workers visa - and agree about unemployment and/or social security benefits not extending to an illegal....... but I do have a question regarding workers compensation..... I didn't think that was "elective" - if an employer hires anyone (whether they are using forged documents or not) I thought the employee/employeer was required to be included in Workers Comp.....is that not correct? If it is, then the only way a person wouldn't be paying into Worker's comp would be if they were known to be illegals....... and to me, that is the fault of the company for hiring them.

[NewRomeTacitus]

I cite "Imagine's" 18-Point Plan here. The gist of it: the illegal's home country is liable in every way. Their home country even has to pay for court costs. Hitting Mexico in its wallet would have amazing results on the tide of illegal immigration.