E-Verify is a Win - Win in Woonsocket!

E-Verify is a program run jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. The program was designed specifically to identify individuals that are in our country illegally and have been accepted for employment. The program’s use would reduce the illegal immigrant population and costs involved with their presence.

Part of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was promises to better protect our nation’s borders and to make it far more difficult for illegal aliens to find and keep employment in the United States. Border protection may have been enhanced, but it certainly has not been effective or efficient. Easily available employment and social services remain a great attraction. This is so wrong for our citizens and our country and, to a certain extent, to the illegal immigrants themselves,

Rhode Island has become a huge magnet for illegal aliens because they are allowed to work and receive social services here (illegally). Far too many of our CITIZEN’S dollars go to provide aid and comfort to illegal aliens. This should NEVER happen. State and local officials should be doing all in their power to protect their citizens from the problems caused by the presence and employment of illegal aliens. The E-Verify program can be a great help. It is a free, easy to use, and effective system that helps ensure that only those authorized to work legally in the United States will be allowed to do so.

Not only must we compete for scarce jobs, but those jobs often come with lower pay and benefits, and less desirable working conditions, because of the availability of this illegal workforce. We must also compete for diminished or un-available social services, health services (most of which they receive illegally), and reduced educational opportunities.

The employment of illegal aliens has a trickle-down effect on our citizens lives. We are also paying for the children born to illegal aliens. This cost actually starts with pre-natal care, the cost of birthing, and post-birth care, and eventually education. (Children born to illegal aliens are considered citizens of the United States but notice that we start paying of them even before birth, DUH). How many, you ask! How about 350 in 2011, 305 in 2012 and 585 in 2014 according to R.I. DHS figures. Care to guess the per child costs? Care to guess the costs required to keep them and their (STILL ILLEGAL) parents housed, fed, and clothed? If you’re thinking that goes against common sense, you’re not alone.

E-verify is a huge step in the right direction. It would be even greater if it was made mandatory. If private employers want to risk fines and/or jail time, or both, so be it! But taxpayer funded governments and agencies must do everything reasonable to ensure they are not hiring people that are in our country illegally! These agencies are liable to the same laws as private employers!

Make things happen! Make a difference! Speak up! Vote!