State and Local Reporter - 06/04/2008 (Plain Text Version)

Bob Frost, Chair
Blue Springs, Missouri

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In this issue:
States Remain Active In Tackling Immigration
Copper Thefts Continue to Plague States
States Act to Stem Foreclosure Scams
Ohio Attorney General Resigns; Replacement Appointed
National League of Cities Releases Research Brief on the Local Impact of Housing Crisis
Apply for Scholarships for Remaining 2008 Conferences by July 11
Audio Seminar to Look at Green Building Challenges, Opportunities
'Buy Now!' Public Relations Resources for HBAs and Members

States Remain Active In Tackling Immigration

Last year’s state legislative cycle saw unprecedentant action with regard to to immigration reform.

At the end of the first quarter of 2008, more than 1,100 immigration bills had been considered in 44 states. Twenty-six states had actually enacted 44 laws and adopted 38 resolutions.

One of the most popular topics being addressed within these immigration bills is employment enforcement, that is, penalizing employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. Employment based legislation was considered in 179 bills across 31 states.

States considered employer sanctions for hiring unauthorized workers and addressed the use of federal systems such as E-Verify, by public agencies, private employers or state contractors. Additionally, legislatures introduced bills related to immigrants’ unemployment compensation, identify theft legislation specific to employment, wage withholding for non-resident aliens and state temporary programs in Arizona and Colorado.

NAHB is an active participant in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Immigration Task Force. Like NAHB, NCSL has policy that states the federal government is the sole arbiter of immigration policy. States, on the other hand, should control immigrant policy.

For more information, e-mail Carlos Gutierrez at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8242.