House OKs expanded mandate for NC business on worker status

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — More businesses in North Carolina would be required to use the E-Verify system to check the immigration status of workers they hired in legislation clearing one General Assembly chamber.

The bill passed 80-39 Thursday in the House would lower the threshold for businesses to participate to those with at least five employees. It’s now 25. An exemption for some temporary employees is gone, although exceptions would be added for farm workers and independent contractors.

Republican sponsor Rep. George Cleveland of Jacksonville said the bill’s result would bring another 110,000 employers under E-verify. Other bill supporters complained immigrants unlawfully in the country are draining services and keeping wages low.

Democratic Rep. Ken Goodman of Rockingham opposed the measure. He said the requirement would impose a great burden upon some small businesses.

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