Barbour expected to back reforms on immigrant hires

Bill would require employers to use database to determine legal status

A spokesman for Gov. Haley Barbour said he will probably support the first immigration-reform legislation sent to him by state lawmakers, a bill that would force companies to take extra measures in making sure illegal immigrants aren't hired.

Senate Bill 2988, approved overwhelmingly by House members Wednesday, is headed to Barbour for his consideration. If approved, it would require employers to use an online database to determine whether potential workers are U.S. citizens.

Companies would have to use eVerify, a federal pilot program that is voluntary. It accesses Social Security and federal immigration records, but critics say it sometimes provides inaccurate information.

Immigrants-rights advocates warned the legislation could hurt the state's economy and lead to an exodus of workers in jobs from construction and poultry processing to restaurants and hotels.

Larger companies would be required to begin using the system first. Those with 250 employees or more would have to comply beginning in July. Smaller companies would have to comply in the following years, with those employing fewer than 30 required to use it by 2011.

Penalties include the cancellation of state or public contracts. Companies also could be prohibited from bidding on any such contracts for up to three years. It also could cause employers to lose licenses or permits.

The bill is "intended to take away incentive to break the law," said Rep. Brandon Jones, a freshman Democrat from Pascagoula who pushed the bill on the House floor.

Barbour, a Republican, is "likely to sign bill," said his spokesman, Pete Smith.

The Washington-based Pew Research Center estimates there are up to 50,000 undocumented immigrants living in Mississippi, an increase from 5,000 in 1990. The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance puts the number closer to 200,000.

MIRA President Bill Chandler said many "entered with authorization and their status has lapsed for one reason or another."

Many work in poultry plants and the hospitality industry, he said. Others are helping in hurricane rebuilding efforts and some work on farms, he added.

"Who's going to do that work? People go through school here and get diplomas and go to college to avoid jobs like that," said Chandler, who added it would cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars to imprison illegal immigrants.

Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who vowed an illegal immigration crackdown in his campaign last fall, said in a statement the legislation is "by far the most comprehensive illegal immigration reform in Mississippi's history and it was done without adversely impacting law-abiding citizens or employers."

Business groups were less enthusiastic, though unopposed to the bill.

Mississippi Manufacturers' Association President Jay Moon said in a statement the organization "does not support employers who knowingly or intentionally hire illegal or undocumented workers in violation of current law."

He added, "If an employer can show that it has followed the law and has made a good-faith effort to hire legal, documented workers, then that employer should not be penalized if the verification system fails to identify an employee as an illegal immigrant."

Said Mississippi Economic Council President Blake Wilson: "We don't like things that add more regulatory burdens, but you also have to work with your government."

To comment on this story, call Natalie Chandler at (601) 961-7075.

Senate Bill 2988, approved overwhelmingly by House members Wednesday, is headed to Barbour for his consideration. If approved, it would require employers to use an online database to determine whether potential workers are U.S. citizens.