New Immigration Bill Introduced

Late Wednesday, a new comprehensive immigration bill was introduced by Senator Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senator Leahy (D-Vt.).  AGC is currently reviewing this bill, but we are troubled by several items, including a proposal to make it easier to find employers in violation even if they did not "know" they had hired unauthorized workers. It also lacks a workable future visa program and includes language that would provide an incentive for unauthorized workers to file employment claims by offering a temporary work authorization.   AGC supports a comprehensive approach to immigration reform and continues to talk with lawmakers about the needs of the construction industry in this debate.   This new bill is not expected to get much traction in the lame duck session; however the Senators who introduced the bill hope that it serves as a placeholder for the debate in 2011.