LANSING – In order to ensure that Michigan jobs go to Michigan residents, State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) recently introduced legislation as part of a package to crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants.
"Every time a job goes to an illegal immigrant, a hard-working Michigan resident is missing out on a chance to earn a good living," Angerer said. "We have workers in our own communities who need these jobs in order to support their families, but employers are passing them up in favor of cheap illegal labor. Our residents must come first, and my plan ensures that those employers who choose to break the law are held accountable."
Angerer's plan requires employers to complete a federal Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 form), verifying they have checked documents showing that their new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States.
The package also:
- Bans employers from employing an illegal alien or from recruiting an illegal alien to come to Michigan to be employed.
- Prohibits an employer from firing an employee without cause if the employee is replaced by an illegal worker, while allowing those discharged employees to bring a civil action against their former employer
- Requires state regulatory agencies to revoke or suspend the license of an employer who knowingly employs an illegal alien or encourages one to enter the state for employment.
"With so many residents struggling economically across the state, our workers must have access to the jobs they deserve," Angerer said. "If we want to turn our economy around, creating and protecting jobs for Michigan workers must be our top priority. This plan will give Michigan the tools it currently lacks to punish companies that don't play by the rules as we work to move Michigan forward."