Introduced

The Division of Immigration Compliance is created inside the office of the Secretary of State to implement new provisions in the law that deny housing and employment to illegal aliens.

It is illegal to employ unauthorized aliens and the act mandates that every employer in the state participate in the federal Basic Pilot Program in order to verify an employee's work authorization status as a condition of employment. Certificates of incorporation and other business licenses and registrations will be suspended when an employer employ's unauthorized aliens. Steps for curing violations are enumerated.

It is also illegal, under the act, to rent any dwelling to an illegal alien. Rental licenses and occupancy permits will be denied or suspended for those who knowingly or recklessly rent to illegal aliens and steps for curing violations are enumerated. A process is created whereby the landlord may, through the Division of Immigration Enforcement, verify the immigration status of any individual.

Law enforcement officers must inquire into the immigration status of any individual detained for any violation unless the inquiry would significantly extend the duration of the detention. If the individual is found to be illegal, the officer shall cooperate with any request from federal authorities regarding detention and custody transfer.

The state shall enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government to designate state law enforcement officers to help enforce federal immigration law.

Illegal aliens are barred from attending all public universities in the state and shall not receive any type of public assistance or benefit.

The act also authorizes cities, villages, and towns to enact ordinances prohibiting the employment of unauthorized aliens or unlawful workers and may deny business licenses to employers who employ unlawful workers.

This act is similar to SB 334 (2005), SB 988 (2006), SB 178 (2007), and SB 180 (2007).

CHRIS HOGERTY