Public invited to hear testimony on illegal immigration bill 580

This will be a very organized, structured, and to the point hearing. The testimony will be professional with strict guidelines and time limits. (Sorry, I don't know how long the entire hearing will be.)

This hearing is not open for the public to speak but the public is invited, even encouraged to attend. It would be great if you could go and show your support. Do not arrive late!

The hearing that is open for general public testimony will be held Thursday 2/5 from 4:30 -7:00 p.m. That event will be posted to the calender with it's details.

NEWS RELEASE 02.2.09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Senate committee to take testimony on illegal immigration bill Wednesday, Feb. 4

Several to testify in favor of the federal E-Verify system

(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 2, 2009 — Legislation, authored by Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), aimed at punishing those who harbor, transport or employ illegal immigrants in Indiana will be heard in the Senate Committee on Pension and Labor on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. in the Senate Chamber.

“I encourage citizens and business leaders to attend this hearing and listen to expert testimony on illegal immigration and the E-Verify system,” Delph said. “We have the opportunity to come together this session saying we no longer tolerate the failure of the federal government to protect our borders and ensure our national security.”

Delph also released testimony written by Gary Jacobson, President and COO of Indiana Packers Corporation, discussing how his company has used the federal E-Verify system since 1997 to verify the legal status of all of its employees.

Jacobson’s written testimony states the E-Verify system is a web based program that returns results in under 30 seconds. He also states the company feels a legal workforce is ethically the right thing to do for the state, for the local community and for the employees themselves.

According to Delph, former Indiana Congressman John Hostettler and Julie Myers, former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the United States Department of Homeland Security under President Bush, are also expected to testify at the hearing in support of the federal E-Verify system.

Delph said Senate Bill 580 includes a “safe harbor” for an employer who verifies the work status of an employee using the E-Verify system, a federal system free to employers who want to confirm citizenship or legal employability. The legislation requires exempt organizations to use the E-Verify system.

Delph represents portions of Hamilton and Marion counties.

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Jennifer Regazzi, Press Secretary

Senate Majority Communications Office

Room 4D-S, Statehouse

200 W. Washington Street

Indianapolis, IN 46204

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