The Daily Item
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania should toughen its employment and welfare laws so illegal aliens have less incentive to come here, a coalition of state lawmakers said Tuesday.
The lawmakers, including Rep. Robert Belfanti, D-107 of Mount Carmel, want state officials to verify the status of immigrants before providing them with benefits and prosecute employers who hire illegal workers. Under one bill, an employer would be fined $1,000 for knowingly hiring an illegal alien.
Their call for action marks the emergence of illegal immigration as a major issue in Harrisburg. Statewide hearings will be held this summer on the immigration bills.
Posted by Richard at June 21, 2006