Bill Would Make Hiring Illegal Workers a Felony

Houston Chronicle: A Texas bill that would make it a state felony to knowingly hire an illegal immigrant, unless the person is a domestic worker, has faced some opposition from critics who say it would crack down on businesses while allowing households to use such workers. Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Houston, authored the bill that would penalize those who knowingly or recklessly hire or contract with an undocumented worker. But jobs like maids, landscapers and other domestic positions within a family home would be exempt. Critics of the measure, filed earlier this month, say it exposes the hypocrisy of lawmakers who vow to crack down on illegal immigration but want to create a loophole for Americans benefitting from household services. Back to Basics, a political group dedicated to holding politicians accountable, called the bill a "laundry loophole." "That's not sensible immigration policy," the organization said in a news release. "It's indentured servitude." Riddle's chief of staff, Jon English, said Riddle didn't want to create a bill that would make residents afraid to hire a company to do work around the house. English said homeowners shouldn't have to fear being punished if the company employs illegal workers. The bill aims to crack down on those who knowingly break the law without fear of the consequences. "The goal of the bill is to punish businesses creating an economic environment that's based on illegal behavior," English said. "Businesses have standards they have to meet in their employment practices and, quite frankly, they are the ones seeking large amounts of illegal employees." He admitted the exception opens up a loophole for homeowners to knowingly hire an undocumented worker.