Study Other States' Laws

Study other states' laws You [the Arkansas Dem-Gazette] recently published a positive story on E-Verify quoting a spokesman saying that E-Verify is updated continuously, has become much more efficient and has added photos.

E-Verify is the Social Security Number Verification Service allowing employers to verify if an employee is here legally. The story indicated that Sen. Mark Pryor is in the process of sponsoring a federal law to require E-Verifying for new employees.

A new Mississippi law requires all employers to participate in E-Verify, to be phased in annually until all companies are included, by July 1, 2011. The first phase, all government agencies and businesses with more than 250 employees, began July 1. An employer violating the law is subject to ineligibility for contracts and loss of business license.

Arizona implemented E-Verify in January. Google "illegal immigrants leaving Arizona" and you will find stories indicating that illegals left in droves, many as soon as it was passed, even before it became effective.

Gov. Mike Beebe was quoted last year saying that before Arkansas passes more laws addressing illegal immigration, state officials should study such laws recently passed by other states. This year Beebe, in opposing the Secure Arkansas ballot initiative, indicated that Arkansas doesn't need any more laws.

Let's let Beebe and our legislators know that E-Verify works and that we expect action like Arizona and Mississippi in our session starting in January. BRENDA TOLLETT, De Queen [Letter to Voices page, Arkansas Dem-Gaz, 8-28-08, 8-28-08]

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