Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Statewide E-Verify Mandate
A Democratic Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing an E-Verify mandate for state and private contractors. Rep. John Galloway says it's a way to protect jobs and reduce the state's 8.9% unemployment rate.
Rep. Galloway believes the mandate will immediately open up jobs for unemployed workers in the Keystone state.
"These bills are about saving Pennsylvania jobs," Galloway said. "By penalizing unscrupulous contractors who hire and abuse illegal workers, we can level the playing field for honest contractors who do the right thing and hire American workers and those legally authorized to work here."
During a hearing on the legislation, the Center for Immigration Studies' Jessica Vaughan estimated that there were 18,000-35,000 illegal aliens in the Pennsylvania workforce.
Ten other states have passed mandatory E-Verify bills and three others have issued executive orders. See a map of states that have enacted E-Verify laws.