WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Governor signs tough illegal immigration law

Governor signs tough illegal immigration law

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - After years of debate and disagreement, South Carolina has taken a stand on illegal immigration. And the governor has turned that legislation into law.

They call it one of the toughest crackdowns on illegal immigration anywhere in the nation, signed into law this afternoon by Governor Mark Sanford.

"We've said from day one that while we're a nation of immigrants, we're also a nation of laws - and that South Carolina shouldn't be in the business of sanctioning illegal activity with a wink and a nod," said Sanford.

A key feature of the new law is a so-called "E-Verify" system requiring employers to verify the legal status of employees through Homeland Security or with a South Carolina drivers' license.

The law sets up agreements allowing state and local authorities to enforce federal immigration laws, and a hotline and online services to report and track violations.
    
The law requires state and local agencies to verify the status of adults who apply for public benefits, and it gives local governments a chance to pass their own immigration laws.
 
The law also has an impact on colleges, such as no scholarships or grants for illegals, and no in-state tuition rates at private colleges.
    
Workers replaced with illegal immigrants can sue their employers. Some of those employers, especially in agriculture and construction, will feel the effects of this new law.

Reported by Jack Kuenzie

Posted by Logan Smith