Orlando Sentinel
Florida -- A Palm Bay councilman has pushed his city into the national debate over illegal immigration by proposing to punish employers who hire unauthorized workers.
Councilman Andy Anderson said he is tired of waiting for Congress to find a solution to illegal immigration, as mostly Mexican immigrants trickle into his community seeking construction jobs.
"It's a building problem," Anderson said. "I am disappointed because of the inaction. Regardless of which side of the issue anybody is on, whether it's amnesty or legalization, I think we need to do something."
The proposed ordinance says that illegal immigrants create "an unfair business practice" by working for lower wages. It would impose fines of up to $200 per violation by businesses. Repeat offenders could be banned from work in the city.
Posted by Richard at June 24, 2006