Senate tries to propel immigration bill
COLUMBIA — The state Senate on Tuesday devised a way to bypass stalled negotiations with the House over immigration reform.
After about an hour and a half of debate while supporters tried to gather votes on narrowing worker verification standards for private employers, the Senate adjourned.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said it was necessary to avoid a filibuster and give supporters time overnight to swing some more votes in favor of eliminating the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form in the bill.
McConnell, R-Charleston, said he expects a fight today on the Senate floor. The Senate is poised to resume debate on immigration when it reconvenes at 11 a.m.
"We're trying another avenue," McConnell said. He said there was "nowhere left to go" in the Conference Committee, which has been deadlocked over procedure as legislators battle each other on worker verification standards.
The Senate is trying to amend a House bill with the provisions that were generally agreed to by the Conference Committee before negotiations there stalled.
"There is not another issue more important than illegal immigration this legislative session," said Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg.
The amendment, authored by Ritchie and Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, will remove the I-9 form and require private employers to use the federal E-Verify or South Carolina driver's licenses to verify the legal status of workers.
Many view the I-9 form as a loophole that would allow private employers to continue hiring illegal immigrants. Opponents of removing the I-9 form say E-Verify is not a reliable alternative.
Gov. Mark Sanford chimed in Tuesday with his support for the Senate's approach.
"We stand at the verge of a historic moment that would come with the passing of what many believe represents the most comprehensive immigration reform package in the country," Sanford said.
The governor's office argued that E-verify, a free, online service, is proven to be far more effective than the I-9 form.
Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@ postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Brittanicus (anonymous) says...
It's becoming a way of life everyday to hear, read that some illegal national has committed a crime. Always telling us illegal aliens are doing jobs that Americans won't do, is a downright lie. A case in point is this foreign national, working as a correction officer. Then 12 illegal workers earning $28.00 an hour in the shipyard, in Newport news Virginia.
This just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. How many more are working in jobs designated for citizens. Only now in (ICE) sweeps and scrutiny of documents in every workplace, is the truth coming out.
When America has become bloated with illegal aliens, with thousands of violent gang members terrorizing our streets. California is occupied by an abomination of street gangs without, any conscious of destroying human life. Immigrants are the epitome of what America great! Not illegal aliens who ignored the law of our sovereignty. Strong minded spirits that will fight for what they believe is right. The law is all the separates innocent citizens from the imported criminal element from other countries. Only enforcement of our immigration laws will rid us of the child violators, women rapists, gang bangers, robbers and murderers.
People who think their votes doesn't count, when it comes to the illegal immigration politics is wrong! When timid Governors, Mayors or boards of city supervisors should be carefully watched for how they vote. Then do not sit on your hands, explode in their mousy faces. You as a legal voter can bombard these cringing worms with your wrath and frustration. You have the most powerful tool available; access to the Internet. Most Departments of local government, even up to the federal level is available to you. Corner their secretaries, aides or any person who represents these morons and give them your heated opinion.
Illegal immigration all encompassing your Jobs and economic growth, energy independence, health care access, education and an overcrowded prison system. All these issues are impacted by the 12 to 30 million illegal immigration invasion. Predator employers would rather hire an illegal worker, than YOU? No workers compensation to pay, no health care and a miserable low wage. Without any compunction, pariah employers will dump their hired charges on hospital steps; then you the taxpayer covers th cost.
Find out the unsuppressed truth at these websites: GRASSFIRE, NUMBERSUSA, JUDICIAL WATCH, LIBERTY POST, IMMIGRATION NEWS INDEXER, UNIPAC and VDARE.
Please copy and paste and distribute freely where you can!
This is the only source you need to contact your representative at http://www.outsourcecongress.org/outs...
April 30, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
This delaying and watering down really does cause me to suspect corruption or a conflict of interests in some of them.
April 30, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinadude (anonymous) says...
Jim Ritchie is correct. "There is not a more important issue facing the sc general assembly. Then why did he succumb to the wishes of the "shamber of commerce" to eliminate E-verify in favor of the worthless I 9. Cause he's bought also. Does he have opposition on June 10th? Yes, I'm told the man of the hour up there is Shane ______. I can't remember his last name but was told he has "integrity". Many of them do until they've been there as long as Ritchie.
May 4, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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