PHCC Addresses Immigration Reform

Immigration reform is proving to be the hottest domestic issue in Congress.  Reforming our immigration system, combining increased enforcement and securing our borders, along with a flexible guest worker visa program could allow a reliable flow of workers into the country.  PHCC began exploring with its membership a position on the issue while the House of Representatives passed immigration legislation which was limited to increased enforcement, resulting in increased mandates on business.  Since PHCC supports a comprehensive approach, in January, the board approved a policy which combines increased enforcement with a process to allow undocumented workers to continue to remain in the US as long as they are employed.

While PHCC supports the comprehensive nature of the Senate legislation which emerged from the Judiciary Committee, it opposes a provision that would hold member companies responsible if a subcontractor uses illegal immigrants.  It supports amendment language used by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) which eliminates liability for those companies that unknowingly use subcontractors that hired illegal immigrants.  The Senate passed comprehensive legislation on May 27.  A bi-partisan amendment offered by Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA), Barack Obama (D-IL), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), and Max Baucus (D-MT) affects contractors/subcontractors who "know" or exercise "reckless disregard" with regard to contractors they are using that employ illegal immigrants.  While somewhat complicated, contractors that participate and supply information through an employee verification system will be exempt from liability.  PHCC will work the House and Senate conferees to adopt the House language, which eliminates any liability between contactors and subcontractors.