The Washington Times
ESSEX, Md. -- State Delegate Patrick L. McDonough said yesterday he will propose legislation in the upcoming General Assembly to keep illegal aliens from receiving workers compensation.
His decision follows a state Court of Appeals ruling Monday that upheld a lower court ruling that such compensation must be paid to illegal aliens.
"The federal Immigration Act states you cannot aid or abet an illegal alien," said Mr. McDonough, a Baltimore County Republican. "It's a felony."
The panel of seven judges ruled 6-1 that state law does not specify that an illegal alien who is an undocumented worker cannot receive compensation if injured on the job.
"We have no doubt that the clear and unambiguous language of [state law] encompasses undocumented aliens," wrote Chief Judge Robert Bell.
The court ruled in favor of Diego E. Lagos, an undocumented worker who injured his hand with a saw while working for Design Kitchen and Baths of Montgomery County.
Posted by Richard at September 16, 2005