Tough immigrant bill being discussed in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina legislators are considering
how to clamp down harder on illegal workers, just two years after
passing one of the country’s toughest anti-illegal immigration
laws.

A Senate subcommittee discussed a measure Thursday to make it a
crime for an illegal immigrant to work or seek work in the state.
Current law puts the onus on businesses to avoid hiring illegal
workers.

The bill would also bring South Carolina more in line with a new
law in Arizona. It would direct South Carolina law enforcement to
try to check the legal status of anyone stopped or arrested for
another reason if officers have reasonable suspicion.

The specifics are yet to be worked out. Legislators acknowledge
the bill has no chance of approval this year. Lawmakers are to
adjourn for the year in two weeks.

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