Shuler files immigration bill

Carolyn Hileman* | November 7, 2007

by DOUG ABRAHMS , Gannett News Service

WASHINGTON - Rep. Heath Shuler added 83 cosponsors to his bill Tuesday that seeks to limit illegal immigration by requiring employers to verify their workers are in the U.S. legally.

Shuler, D-Waynesville, introduced his bill Tuesday at a press conference along with about a dozen other House members. The legislation would beef up border security, spend more on workplace enforcement of immigration laws, and require employers to verify workers’ status through a Department of Homeland Security database, which currently is voluntary.

“This (illegal immigration) is the No. 1 issue in our district,” he said. “I feel that I’m able to cross party lines … and able to establish a very large group, almost balanced cosponsors - 44 Democrats, 40 Republicans.”

That number is nearly one out of five House members. Shuler said the House leadership is aware of his legislation, which must be approved by the Judiciary Committee before being brought to the House floor for a vote.

A comprehensive bill that sought to legalize the status of millions of illegal immigrants, beef up border security and enforce labor laws failed to pass the Senate in June.

Shuler and other House members said that failing to address illegal immigration was one reason why Americans hold such a low opinion of Congress.

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