S.C. targets illegals
Legislation could have big effect on workplace, health care, police
Legislation could have big effect on workplace, health care, police
Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier
Amadeo Gonzalez Morales plays guitar in his mobile home in North Charleston. He said he crossed the border into the U.S. out of necessity, to support his family, and plans to stay another 6 months or a year. It all depends on jobs, pay and laws.
Lawmakers are laying out a giant unwelcome mat for illegal immigrants with a bill that strives to be among the toughest in the nation. Yet for all its proposals, the law's chilly sentiment might be its strongest weapon.
Half of the law's amendments restate existing law. For example, it would ban undocumented immigrants from owning guns, already a federal regulation.
The other proposals might become so burdensome to apply and enforce that the law essentially would be futile. Would citizens seeking Medicaid — a benefit already barred to illegal immigrants — be required to complete affidavits witnessed by notary publics?
Constituents who demanded a tough approach complain the bill is toothless. State legislators say their hands are tied by federal law regulating immigration. Still, they want to send the federal government a strong message by doing what they can as a state.
If South Carolina's bill becomes law, the state will join more than 40 states that have passed laws against undocumented immigrants. Reports from other states with these laws, such as Arizona and Colorado, suggest illegal immigrants are leaving for other states or returning to their native countries.
To see how the bill might play out, The Post and Courier talked to scores of people who would most feel the effects of reform — immigrants, employers, and social and health care workers:
--Undocumented men and women don't always understand the law, but they know the mood is changing. Fear of deportation is palpable.
--Employers speak of dilemmas verifying the status of new hires. What can they do without tools to examine false documents? Do they risk an anti-discrimination lawsuit if they probe too deeply?
--Doctors and nurses worry that illegal immigrants will be too afraid to seek care for their children. They've seen fear keep people away from needed attention. Following a raid at a business or a home, the number of Latinos seeking care drops for as long as a month.
Existing law
The bill is riddled with proposals already covered by existing law. State lawmakers contend that restating federal law would at least give prosecutors another tool.
One amendment would bar illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits. Yet calls to more than a dozen state, county and municipal agencies confirmed that illegal immigrants are currently forbidden from receiving a wide range of benefits, such as food stamps and subsidized housing.
Another proposal would ban illegal immigrants from public colleges. But college is already a stretch for illegal immigrants. Many institutions screen for citizenship. Those who are not citizens do not qualify for government loans and are charged out-of-state tuition.
New law
The bill's strongest legal muscle could be a requirement for local jails to check the immigration status of all those arrested — a move that could lead to a significant number of deportations.
Currently, a person in the country illegally is likely to be able to post bail, just like anyone else.
Other states that have passed stricter immigration measures have started screening inmates charged with driving under the influence and felony offenses. But South Carolina would go further, checking everyone booked into a jail. That could apply to relatively minor charges, such as driving without a license or public disorderly conduct.
That didn't bother Justino Vazquez-Sandoval, 52, a construction worker from Oaxaca, Mexico, who is here illegally. Anybody who steps out of line should be sent back home, in his opinion. They make people like him look bad.
"We just come here to work," he said in Spanish. "I'm not saying that we're supposed to have rights like everybody else."
Checking immigration status would require a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Similar arrangements exist with 36 law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and have helped identify more than 40,000 potential immigration violations since late 2005, an ICE spokesman in Washington said.
Nobody knows who will pay for the partnerships or whether ICE has the resources to deport all those arrested by state officials.
Unknown law
A big question mark in the bill is how health care will be provided. The legislation would prohibit state-funded health care, except for prenatal care, children and emergencies, including birth.
But what about the adult who needs antibiotics for an infected wound? If care is denied, the problem could balloon into a far more expensive problem in the emergency room.
Already, immigrants too often turn to emergency rooms for primary care. By closing the doors of community clinics to illegal immigrants, hospitals could face even more expenses.
The full consequences of the bill are unknown.
While the law is debated in the Statehouse, a more powerful anti-immigration force has already begun to work — the worsening economy.
Amadeo Gonzalez Morales, a 46-year-old illegal immigrant who lives in North Charleston, feels the pinch. Gonzalez could only land a half day of construction work on a recent Wednesday. The job paid about $30 — not enough to send anything home to his wife and six children in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. First, he must pay utilities and rent, costs he splits with five other men.
Many illegal immigrants like him say the decision to enter the U.S. illegally isn't a stark choice between right and wrong — it's survival.
"I crossed the border out of necessity," he said. "Not because I want to, because I have to."
In the end, necessity might send him back home. Supporting his family is his sole reason for coming here, he said.
As available work diminishes, wages appear to be dropping. Unskilled day-labor jobs that used to pay $8 to $10 an hour now usually pay about $6.
Gonzalez says he might stay another half-year, or a year, then he'll go. Perhaps sooner.
If laws get tougher, he said, "I'll grab my bags and go back to Mexico."
And that's exactly what legislators pressing for the new state law want Gonzalez and others to do.
What the bill says
The most recent version of the general immigration bill proposes 15 major changes, some of which contradict each other, restate existing law or would require an employer to admit to hiring an unauthorized employee:
1. All businesses would have to verify employees' legal status in one of three ways: maintaining federal I-9 forms, checking for a valid South Carolina driver's license or an equivalent form of identification, or using the federal government's E-Verify database. State- and local-government employers, and contractors who do business with them, would have stricter requirements.*
2. Jails would have to check the immigration status of all inmates.
3. Businesses offering immigration assistance would have to post an easily visible sign about services they cannot perform. This would apply to notary publics, among others.
4. People 18 or older receiving benefits from a state or local agency would have to sign a document saying they are living in the U.S. lawfully.
5. No local ordinance could contradict state or federal law.
6. Businesses would not be able to claim the wages of any unauthorized employee earning $600 or more a year as a state income tax deduction.
7. Businesses would have to withhold 6 percent of an employee's wages for state income taxes if the employee cannot provide a valid tax identification number.
8. It would be a felony to smuggle illegal immigrants into South Carolina or conceal them from law enforcement.*
9. Illegal immigrants would have to pay back any public benefits they have received through the use of false documents.
10. Illegal immigrants could not own, rent or borrow guns.
11. The State Law Enforcement Division would sign a memorandum of understanding with the federal government about enforcing immigration laws.
12. Anybody fired from a job and replaced by an illegal immigrant would have the right to sue.
13. Illegal immigrants could not attend state colleges or universities.
14. A state grand jury could investigate identity fraud and forgery cases related to unlawful immigration.
15. Judges could consider immigration status when setting bail.
By the numbers
State officials have estimated the number of illegal immigrants in South Carolina to be about 200,000, more than 4 percent of the population.
University of South Carolina professors released a report in August analyzing the lives of Latinos.
The report does not distinguish documented and undocumented people.
Demographically
62% - Latinos of Mexican origin.
4.8 years - Average length of time Latinos stay in state.
7.9 years - National average length of time Latinos stay.
> 50% - Speak no English or only a few words.
In schools
3.7% - Latino students in state public schools.
40% - Latino students who are fluent in English and fully integrated.
In health care
84% - Latinos who describe their health as "good" or "very good."
Nearly half - Latinos who do not seek medical treatment because of a lack of health insurance or because of lack of need.
1.6% - Latinos' percentage of all hospital discharges in the state in 2005.
In the workplace
+1.2% - 2000-05 change in median wages for full-time white South Carolina workers.
-1% - 2000-05 change in median wages for black South Carolinians.
-9.6% - 2000-05 change in median wages for Latinos.
Construction - Primary employment sector for Latinos.
Animal slaughtering - Second-largest employment sector for Latinos.
Landscaping services - Third-largest employment sector.
Overall, for each of three largest sectors with a Latino work force in South Carolina, blacks either lost jobs, saw earnings decline, or both.
In poverty
25.7% - Latinos in South Carolina who lived in poverty in 2005.
25.1% - Blacks in South Carolina who lived in poverty in 2005.
9.3% - White in South Carolina who lived in poverty in 2005.
Comments from the S.C. Legislature
'Most people want to be compassionate and treat people in a humane way. At the same time, the law needs to be respected.'
— Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, supporter
'People in South Carolina are demanding reforms both at the state and the federal level. We've answered their call at the state level as strongly as we can.'
— Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg, sponsor
'The taxpayers are subsidizing illegal immigration. This country is being overrun by illegal immigrants because of the failure in Washington. We don't need this state to become a magnet for illegal immigrants.'
— Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, supporter
'We are enforcing the law. The federal government is not doing that.'
— House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, sponsor
'We have a state law that says you have to comply with federal law. It means nothing.'
— Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, critical of the bill
'I'm not sure what this bill will be able to do. It's a federal issue. And I question if we have the resources to do what (the bill) requires.'
— Rep. David Mack, D-North Charleston, opposes the bill
Yvonne Wenger contributed to this report. Reach Noah Haglund at nhaglund@postandcourier.com or 937-5550. Reach Jill Coley at jcoley@postandcourier.com o
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Comments
This article has 42 comment(s)
Posted by skyguy51 on February 16, 2008 at 4:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Until there are serious sanctions against private employers for hiring illegal aliens this bill is just a feel good lame excuse. Thank you Senator Ritchie for gutting those provisions from S392. If the Post and Courier can find the above quoted "illegal aliens" then why can't our Federal and State law enforcement? If there is no work in Mexico then go home and fix your economy rather than driving down the wages of American citizens.
Posted by moonpie on February 16, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1 -"illegal immigrants are currently forbidden from receiving a wide range of benefits, such as food stamps and subsidized housing." BULL ____! How many times in the grocery line I have seen just the opposite. Once the "anchor babies" come into play, let the benefits flow!
2 -" Jails would have to check the immigration status of all inmates" And then what if their deemed illegal?
3- "Businesses would have to withhold 6 percent of an employee's wages for state income taxes if the employee cannot provide a valid tax identification number." WHAT, if you can't provide a valid tax ID didn't you break rule ONE!
I'M STOPPING THERE. MY BP IS THRU THE ROOF! YOU SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING, OUR LEGISLATORS ARE TO STUPID TO REALIZE ILLEGALS ARE PAID MOSTLY IN CASH, ARE HERE ILLEGALLY,AND THEY ARE GETTING BENIFITS. I URGE YOU TO GO TO TRIDENT HOSPITAL ON THE WEEKENDS AND TAKE A COUNT! ARE THEY PAYING? NO MOST OF THEM RUN WHEN THEY FIND OUT THEIR OK. THIS IS STILL A MESS AND YOUR FEEL GOOD PROPOSAL DOES NOTHING!
Posted by pithy on February 16, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Moonpie well said! An employee must pay 6% if they can’t provide proof of valid tax id number? I was under the misguided impression that every prospective new hire had to provide a valid SS card like I had to do. Why start the trend? If you can’t provide a number and PROOF – no job – period.
Side Note: The jail is full of legal citizens who can’t pay their child support due to loss of work taken by illegal immigrants. While not paying child support is wrong, some of these folks are manual laborers who are being undercut by illegals. Where is that fair? It not only causes a burden on an overcrowded system , but drives these LEGAL citizens further into the child support hole.
Posted by pirate42 on February 16, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo Yes thats what should be done a employer hiring them should be posted in a daily news or on website that way we as a people can decide to use there bussines or not. this way they may eventually be forced into bankruptcy or lose there bussiness. Just all so sad because 50% of the people writting the bills use Illegals them selves I bet.
Posted by simon_birch on February 16, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IF AN ILLEGAL IS IN JAIL THAT LEGAL STATUS IS NOT CHECKED!?? IT SEEMS IT WOULD BE ROUTINE TO RUN ALL SORTS OF CHECKS!! IT LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE MORE RIGHTS THAN REAL CITIZENS ANYMORE! WHY AREN'T MORE LAWS ON THE BOOKS TO FINE THE PEOPLE WHO HIRE THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE!? THEY TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH TROUBLE THE EMPLOYERS WOULD BE IN IF THEY STARTED CHECKING LEGAL STATUS??? WHY? IF THEY ARE LEGAL THEY HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! IF THEY ARE ILLEGAL THEN REPORT THEM. IT SEEMS NO ONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT A FINANCIAL BURDEN THEY PLACE ON SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AND SO MANY OTHER AREAS! THE TAX PAYERS ARE THE ONES THAT BEAR THE BURDEN FOR GOSH SAKES! I CAN BE AS COMPASSIONATE AS ANYONE, BUT WE ARE OVERRUN WITH NONCONTRIBUTING PROPLE 200,OOO!! OF THEM!! IM SORRY BUT I HAVE FAMILY THAT COMES FIRST AND I AM BAERLY ABLE TO DO IT WITH BOTH OF US WORKING!!! WE GET NOTHING FREE!!!!AND ARE FROWNED ON FOR EVEN ASKING!!!!! SEND THEM BACK!!!
Posted by Reader on February 16, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In the list of what the bill does, two of the items are followed by asterisks (#1 and #8). What does that signify?
Posted by pavrett on February 16, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No punishment to business who hire illegals... this is all fluff! I agree about voting these politicians out!
Posted by groover on February 16, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How is it that the government is still giving illegals ammesty? You are here illegally, period. Deportation is the only answer. Absolutely no rights should be given to these people. Arrest them and deport them. End of story. If they really want to work in the US, why can't they get their citizenship like every other immigrant. It is absurd and disrespectful for those who are really trying. The only ones to doing anything about this problem is our government, so I hope someone in office is listening to our comments.
Posted by Toots2U on February 16, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Moonpie, you said it all. Great comment! Morales has to send money home to his six children? Hmm. Where's the birth control? You don't make babies unless you can provide for them. On the subject of babies..how can 2 illegals give birth to a legal? Food stamps, how do they get them in the first place. I'm on disability and darned near had to give up my first born for $10.00 a month in foodstamps. Previously, I had been a cashier. I see the illegals coming in buying nutritious fruits and veggies. Most people can't afford them. Also, when they are finished they still have a bigger food stamp balance than I would get in a year. Lastly, what about the Border Patrol Agents that were sent to prison for doing their job. Heck, why have a Border Patrol?
Posted by SomeTruthPlease on February 16, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I live in Goose Creek, and I would say that we have a bigger Latino community than most other towns. When I go to the grocery store, a very high percentage of the Latino women I see are pregnant. I don't think it's just because they don't tend to practice good birth control methods. The primary source of employment is construction. A lot of areas are putting the brakes on homebuilding, so that cuts off a lot of employment...correct? The housing market is absolutely horrible right now...if they are unable to make ends meet in the construction business, what will they do then? Cut off the money, and they will go home. There are too many houses sitting unsold as it is.
Posted by chucktonian on February 16, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love how the media says "illegal immigration" when what people really mean is "illegal Mexicans." don't dance around the issue, boys
and by the way, instead of passing laws, how about rounding them up and sending them home?
Posted by Beerkrugul on February 16, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The lawmakers wasted a bunch of time for nothing.
Law enforcement (Federal agents))need to go to Ashley Phosphate and Stall rds. When five or six jump into the back of a pickup check the legal status of each.
Posted by sixcar on February 16, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"All political power is vested in and derived from the people only, therefore, they have the right at all times
to modify their form of government." South Carolina State Constitution
Let's get busy folks!
Posted by palmettoruckus on February 16, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I say take their kids away, give the child to DSS, AND deport the parents. That would be a great idea to stop the citizen child scam.
Posted by webwe on February 16, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The illegals are here for economic reasons so it’s hard to get mad at them.
What they should do is land like a Sumo wrestler on their employers, some of whom are from out of state and don’t pass the savings on to their customers anyway.
I wouldn’t mind paying a little extra if they hired some of the local folks who really needed a job.
Posted by wonderdog on February 16, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would be wise for everyone to carry uninsured motorist coverage on their cars, now more than ever. In the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of accidents caused by uninsured drivers, and a large percentage of them are illegals. The problem has always existed but not at this level. Before I get flamed, I point out that I work in a field that deals with this issue.
Posted by sean436 on February 16, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the laws are already written and have been passed for years, then why are we wasting time and the taxpayers money, by having our congress personell meet, and flap their gums on what we need to do. PEOPLE, IT IS ALREADY THERE. DEPORT DEPORT DEPORT. No more said, we are wasting valuable time, efforts and money. AS WELL AS PISSING OFF THE AMERICAN CITIZENS that are here legally, born and raised in the U.S. and pay dearly for these illegals that DO NOT need to be here, nor should not have ANY rights- medical, financial or any other "rights" that congress is possibly trying to allow. STEP IT UP PEOPLE. KICK THEM OUT. MEN WOMEN AND CHILDREN. GONE- POOF. END OF STORY, no more problems on that topic. Lets move on.
Posted by scienceguy on February 16, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The solution to "illegal immigration"--ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS
http://parentsrights.blogspot.com/2006/0...
Posted by Toots2U on February 16, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does a legal worker have to be fluent in Spanish? Quite a few Help Wanted ads state this? Citizens have to be fluent in Spanish, but illegals don't need to be fluent in English? Just a little food for thought.
Posted by scienceguy on February 16, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Read post from http://parentsrights.blogspot.com/2006_1...
Monday, December 11, 2006
S.C. WATCHES BEAUFORT COUNTY STRUGGLE WITH IMMIGRATION ISSUES
An article in the December 10, 2006 edition of The State discusses Beaufort County's ongoing efforts to address some of the problems associated with illegal immigration. One of the things the County has done is place the onus of identifying illegal workers on employers. But, while we understand why there is an outcry for reform,* we continue to believe that before making new laws to address a problem we should first try enforcing current laws. Current South Carolina law requires employers to file a South Carolina New Hire Reporting Form. This form contains Social Security Numbers and the law provides for fines against employers who fail to file the form and more severe fines against employers who conspire with workers--illegal or otherwise--not to file the form. Enforcing this law would increase child support collections, identify fake Social Security Numbers, and serve a chilling effect on those who would consider either hiring workers under the table or hiring workers who lack proper credentials.
*If you want to get your blood boiling, click Katrina Begets a Baby Boom by Immigrants.
Posted by forget on February 16, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you go to the Chas. County page and look at the criminal cases, everyone would be shocked at how many of them are hispanic. Alot of them are driving w/o licenses, unregestered vehicles, and no insurance.
What really burns me is when I call different places, the first thing asked is if I want English press one, etc. It shouldn't even need to be asked.
Ride by any construction site and look at the employees on site, tell me all of them are legal. I know they're not. Alot of these illegals are also stealing legal hispanic's personal info and using it. They are using info to make purchases on credit and to rent apts., etc. Again, committing more crime.
Just enforce the laws we already have, they've just ignored the problem for too long. Plain and simple. Ignoring the problem let it get out of hand.
Posted by SCPDBLUE on February 16, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People,People..I've told you and written many letters to the editor about this very topic,Look one up Titled "Licenses for illegals".I told everybody including Sen. McConnell and others in power that S.C. will become East LA in years to come.S.C. tax payers are going to pay the bill for,food,medical & housing..Also let me tell you that white people are not the only ones upset about this problem,I spoke with a billing clerk (who was black)at Trident and ask he how she feels.She stated that when she sends out ER bills to these illegals,the bills come back,saying return to sender.She said then can you guess who pays that bill,the tax payers and patients.so don't get the idea that only whites are upset ALL TAX PAYING S.C. RESIDENTS ARE.. Like I said in many of my letters,Wakeup S.C. Taxpayers,You can pay now or pay later the choice is yours.Do you want MS-13 gang members shooting it out with black gangs in Northwoods mall?,Do you like paying higher taxes so that the illegals can get medical care,food stamps,housing ect. all at your expense.Don't get me wrong I welcome anyone to this country as long as they do it like my grandparents did when they came from Italy and that was LEGALLY...ICE can do a roundup at Stall Rd at 5am,then go to the Flea Market in Ladson on a Sat. & Sunday and clean house as well as making a statment that Illegals are not welcome in S.C....Will it happen I doubt it.So to the working people of S.C..When you read about jobs going to Mexico,watch your back because Mexico is already here,and don't think you cant be replaced by someone who will gladly work for less than you.Construction workers,Brick masons,Roofers,framers,lawn care,motel workers,cooks you guys and gals are the ones who should be raising cane about illegals..did you know that illegals are bring in a lot of the Meth. also The gang MS-13 targets blacks read "LA Gang F13 Accused of Targeting Blacks",By Associated Press writer Thomas Watkins,Dated Dec.31st 07,these are facts people,do you want this to happen here? Its time to send a clear message to our elected officials that if they don't do something with meaning,not a bunch of PC talk and feel good laws, then the people will elect someone who will be for the people and listen to the people without being PC...it doesn't matter if your a DEM or REP we need leaders who will listen and it doesn't matter if the person is male,female,black or white something needs to be done NOW not when it's to late....
Posted by pezlady on February 16, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Novel idea- support existing laws!!
Posted by scienceguy on February 16, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is from Parents Rights Blog. Note that empoyers are already required to provide the State with the driver's license number, address, and social security number of new hires.
STATE LAW REQUIRES REPORTING OF NEW HIRES BY EMPLOYERS
Many people in South Carolina, particularly John Graham Altman, are concerned about "the problem" of undocumented immigrant workers. He wants to pass new laws placing additional responsibilities on employers. However, State Law already requires reporting of new hires by employers. This law was intended to help prevent “Deadbeat Parents” from working under the table, thereby avoiding their child support obligations. However, enforcing compliance with the law would resolve many of the "problems with illegals," both real and imagined.
Click on to the Employer Information Package link hereinbelow to see what we mean.
So we ask again, "Wouldn't it be better to enforce existing laws before we pass new laws with possible unintended consequences?
_______________________________________
New Hire Reporting ProgramYou may report your new hires on-line at http://www.scnewhire.com/.Reporting Form
HTML Format (5k)Reporting Form MS Word Format (21k)
Reporting Form Acrobat Format (8k)
Employer Information Package Acrobat Format (116k)
Posted by carolinadude on February 16, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My fellow citizens of SC:
The comments above are excellent and true. We have a crisis that our lawmakers (the scalawags) have refused to remedy as most of you have very eloquetly and passionately pointed out. We now must organize in opposition to these scalawags who are selling our state down the drain. Filing for the June primaries are held by the county parties from March 15th to March 30th. Is there anyone stepping up to run against Bobby Harrell or Glen Mcconnell? That would be a tremendous start and would be example to the rest of the scalawags in Columbia who refuse to effectively address this issue and to protect and defend the citizens of our state against enemies both foreign (illegals) and domestic (the employers of illegals). If there are any questions regarding filing for office, one can call the county chairperson of either party for information concerning when and where to file. WE MUST STAND UP NOW. If anyone is aware of individuals planning to run for the state senate or state house of scalwags, please post on these sites indicating that there are individuals planning to run for a certain office without disclosing names until those persons step forward to announce tbeir candidacy. FELLOW CITIZENS, PLEASE STAND UP!! TALK IS CHEAP!!
Posted by terrapinfan2000 on February 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hate when people say that the Illegal people are here to work hard and not cause trouble. Sure the first generation is a hard working bunch but the second and third and so on will make the beautiful lowcountry into a compton / east Los Angeles with their evil MS-13, Mexican Kings and that's just a few to name. I'm of pacific island decent and my dad brought us here because he joined the US Navy in the 60's. He came here legally and fought in the Vietnam war. Maybe we should give the illegals a choice to fight in Iraq/Afghanistan, they must obey and fulfill their military obligations with full honors or be deported! He left his family to provide a better environment and a future for his offspring. I must say I am more successful than most american born citizens. I am over the 100 thousand income bracket. Not to sound insensitive to the good law abiding illegals not that I care, but THEY NEED TO COME HERE LEGALLY AND PAY F-ING TAXES!!! Also speak English!! THis is America - Official language is English. Why should I have to press one for english?
Posted by SomeTruthPlease on February 16, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I also happened to be in traffic court on Thursday in Berkeley county...the MAJORITY of cases that were called that were no-shows were hispanics. Go figure.
Posted by lalosgirl on February 16, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to say how wrong you people are about hispanics. They pay taxes they work jobs that most americans don't want and get paid alot less. It is things like this that cause my children to have trouble in school because you people ae teaching hate.
Posted by magoo on February 16, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tell employers and stores to quit posting signs in espanol and have the mexicants learn english, why are we patronizing these illegals by having everything published in spanish, If i was living in mexico i damn sure would have to learn spanish.
Posted by magoo on February 16, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Lalos girl only the legal ones pay taxes, Well If you dont like it leave
Posted by SCPDBLUE on February 16, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lalosgirl, PLEASE,try something new,that saying is getting old. This is not only about LEGAL Hispanics its about ILLEGAL ANYBODY.Yes they pay taxes at BK,Mic D's,gas stations,Wal-mart ect. As for doing jobs Americans wont do,Your right, no American will work for less that he or she is worth,Would a brick mason,Roofer,Framer,Cook or lawn care worker work for $7.50hr I don't think so.These contractors hire illegals because they can get two for one and do not have to pay benefits because they know the illegals will not demand benefits.Thus putting Americans with skills out of work.From your username you must be of Hispanic origin,that is why you comment about your kids in school..If you are in the U.S. legally I say welcome,get to know your children's teachers,be involved in their learning and teach them the to honor GOD their heritage and the U.S.,respect others,work hard in school get a job and do the best they can without living off the backs of the taxpayers..If you are already doing these things,I thank you because that will be one less gangsta on the street or drug dealer..If you are not Hispanic I apology.
Posted by magoo on February 16, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ditto scdp blue. The contractors should be held liable for harboring and abetting illegals as well as any one else who does the same., as far as getting 2 for 1 that is exactly why there is so much sub standard work being performed by these illegals.
Posted by YankeeLady on February 16, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a twofold problem - the folks that come here illegally to get work they can't find in their native country, and businesses that hire them at substandard wages. Businesses have no responsibility towards these workers and fatten their bottom line with their labor, all the while passing along the social services costs to taxpayers. We are subsidizing BOTH the undocumented workers AND the companies that hire them. Have all these workers register for work permits, and insist that employers only hire these legal workers; require that the employers pay the state a fee for each worker to defray health insurance costs. By the way, the "anchor baby" phenomenon is real; I have been told by women here illegally in this country that they traveled here intentionally just to give birth to a US citizen.
Posted by Citadel93 on February 16, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of you are all over the place.
What I am amazed by is that none of you have picked up at the poverty rate between Hispanics and Blacks.
Blacks in S.C. are at a 25.1 % poverty rate.
Hispanics @ 25.7 % rate.
That is the bellweather of this issue. You have a demographic, Blacks, which are the large thrust of Great Society programs initiated by the Johnson Administration.
43 years later, and over 10 TRILLION dollars focused on this demogrpahic, Blacks have lowered there national poverty rate by less than 5 %. IF you people want to cry out that Hispanics are buying an apple at the market while others cannot afford one, please take a deap breath before you storke your keyboard.
Hispanics arrive largely with less than $200 in thier pockets. No government programs in place on the 1st of each month and subsidized programs to mop up the last hour of the month, and yet, they are w/i the same variance rate of poverty with Blacks. How? They are busting their Butts off working 3 jobs. This is a service sector economy state. This bill is puff. The gates from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head would close if even a portion of this bill was enforced.
There are several comments surrounding MS-13. i lived for many years in El Salvador. The group "Mara Salvatruchas" is largely created by our countries policies in El Sal during the 80's. It would take pages to detail the nature of this group. Please research on the web prior to distorting the MS 13 gang. I would qualify the MS 13 group as this: 1. They could wipe out the Taliban and Al Qaeda if mobilized. 2. They are going after blacks due to the last 20 years of Blacks pilaging Hispanics in this country.
Blacks are robbing Hispanics all over the low country, every day, every hour, every locale (tiendas, trailer parks, parking lots, ,,, you name it.)
Posted by magoo on February 16, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is the problem Yankee lady, The contractors hire a documented worker who the contractor gives a check to,. The documented worker cashes the check and then pays the illegals in cash so it is pretty much impossible to have these workers get a permit, first of all they would have to be legal to get one( have a work visa) If they were lega it would be no problem for them to get a work permit, but being illegal it is pretty much impossible for the illegals to get one.
Posted by JohnS on February 17, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Latino's are good at making babies. If a family with one child can show they make under $20,000.00 medicad kicks in for the mother and child. You can make a little more with more than one child. The men just use the ER for primary care. Don't go to the ER at 1:00 am. You will be behind 14 of them with routine illness and not a valid emergency.
This bill is not going to stop any of this.
Add this to your bill. How about making every employer in SC have to have a vaild E-verify report on every employee he is using for the SC Employment Security Commision report each quarter. This will stop right then a person from continuing work at that job if the documents don't match. The employer can keep three percent of the tax due for admin cost of doing this report.
Posted by Popeye on February 17, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The problem in South Carolina starts with a traitor like Lindsey Graham serving in the U.S. Senate and sucking up to other traitors like Juan McCain and Chappaquidick Teddy Kennedy! Only the people of SC can do anything about that in the upcoming election. Time to put up or shut up. JMO.
Posted by MMitchum on February 17, 2008 at 2:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, but when my daughter can't get what she needs as disability or medicaid for her seizures, and medicine now, or get an MRI to make sure she doesn't have a tumor due to she falls between the gap at 28 years of age and has been told she can't work by MUSC doctors.....and this has been going on since she was 22....do not exspect me to give my hard earned tax money to help people who are not from this country. PAY YOUR DUES!!!!!LEARN THE LANGUAGE!!!!!AND DON'T SEND YOUR MONEY HOME....KEEP IT IN OUR STATE!!!!MAKE IT RIGHT SO WE AS US CITIZENS WILL STOP GETTING SCREWED!
Posted by Popeye on February 17, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a personal tactic that I use to avoid having substandard work done by illegal aliens hired by law breaking contractors. The FIRST ? I ask a contractor is: "Do U employ ANY illegal aliens or anyone who cannot or will not speak ENGLISH on the jobsite? If they answer "YES" to either of those questions, I simply tell them that I will not do business with them. I NEVER hire a contractor who I suspect or know hires illegal aliens. To me if they can't speak the English language they are illegal. I tell the contractor if he will hire an illegal alien there is no telling what OTHER laws or building short cuts he will take and that means I get a substandard job, not to mention that an illegal alien more than likely is not as skilled as an AMERICAN born carpenter, roofer, or other construction worker. JMO.
Posted by scienceguy on February 17, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Check out http://www.state.sc.us/dss/csed/forms/nh...
Posted by PoliGadfly on February 17, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So the chamber of commerce is to blame by putting lobbyists in action, eh? Someone tell me what federal law says there should be no verification of I.D's thought to be forgeries. If the bars have to check for fake I.D.'s for citizens, then by golly they can verify I.D.'s of those who must supply I.D. credentials for employment. Assuming such a federal law exists and Demint and Graham don't immediately move to repeal it,don't vote for either of them again!
Posted by AMAZING on February 29, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CHECK THIS OUT, THIS IS AMAZING!
Mark Sanford avoiding the topic of illegal immigration
Sanford was asked, "why are public funds being used to for private communities which use illegal immigrant labor." Watch as he never actually answers the question.
VIDEO LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHJohB8ht...