Under HB 345, the superintendent of the Indiana State Police is required to enter into a memorandum of understanding concerning a pilot project for the enforcement of federal immigration and custom laws. Federal policy allows Indiana to reach an agreement with the U.S. attorney general to allow our law enforcement personnel to investigate, apprehend, detain and transport unauthorized aliens. This would allow Indiana police officers to transport undocumented immigrants to detention centers, so they can be processed and returned to their native country. "I favor the federal government establishing immigration policy," said Rep. Neese. "However, they have failed to develop a workable solution that is concise and consistent. The lack of action by the federal government places the onus on the states that results in a variety of laws across the country. "It is estimated that there are 50,000 to 80,000 undocumented workers in Indiana. Clearly, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. I support legislation that would return people to their home country and would discourage undocumented workers from moving to Indiana." In addition to enforcement policy, SB 345 requires employers to check on the immigration status of their employees. As the bill is currently written, employers would be required to use E-verify beginning Sept. 30, 2009. E-verify is an Internet-based system, operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration, that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new hires. Employers would simply enter the potential employees' Social Security number into the system and would receive almost-instantaneous response. There is no cost to the employer to utilize E-verify. The bill is now eligible for third reading. |
