Gov. Jim Risch ordered state agencies Wednesday to stop hiring illegal aliens by using a federal Web site to verify that new employees are eligible to work in the U.S.
The outgoing Republican governor wants local governments and private businesses to also use the voluntary and free screening system as a way to crack down on undocumented immigrants who are taking jobs and benefits away from legal residents.
“Idahoans deserve to have their tax dollars spent on legal, United States citizens,” Risch said in announcing the executive order in Coeur d’Alene. “Jobs available in America and Idaho should be preserved for those who are legal.”
The order also requires vendors or companies that do contract work for the state to use the verification system. In addition, Risch wants the Department of Commerce and Labor and the Department of Health and Welfare to use the system to ensure that unemployment and welfare benefits aren’t going to illegal immigrants.
Idaho is the fifth state in the nation to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program. Colorado is the only other western state.
Guess that answers my question from post 18
So Risch was governor before he became lt. governor?
I like the ACTION he took on illegal immigration.
It’s way out of line to even say this, but I’ll say it anyway: a conservative senator with executive experience /might/ be well positioned for POTUS in the future.