Immigration law makes it harder to find employees - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Immigration law makes it harder to find employees

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A lot of businesses in Georgia are going to have a harder time finding workers starting July 1st. And illegal immigrants are going to have a harder time finding work.

The new immigration law was the focus of an employer seminar in Albany on Tuesday.

Among the new legislation that was explained at the seminar was the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011, that requires every employer to use an Internet based system called E-Verify to verify the citizenship of new hired employees.

Georgia's new immigration law, will make it harder for illegal immigrants to find work. It will also present challenges to employers.

This morning the seminar focused on updated information that is of primary interest to employers.

"I wanted to make sure that all of our staff and H. R. folks are on the right track to comply with the law," says Ken McDonald, King Enterprises and Associates Chief Financial Officer.

One of the biggest topics covered was House Bill 87, requiring businesses to use the Internet based system called E-Verify.

Every employer will have to enter new employees into this database, which will determine if they are eligible to work in the United States.

Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Labor, Melanie Stockwell, says she hopes each employer left with more detail about changes in the bills that directly affects them.

"They kind of know a little bit about how things are going to be implemented, what they have to do next as an employer and just be aware of changes that affect them. I think it helps them to be better informed so they know what is coming and they can stay out of trouble," says Melanie Stockwell, Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner.

McDonald says every employer should take advantage of the resources that are offered.

"You needed to be here. If you are not here, come next time. If you didn't hear this you better do the research on your own to make sure you do the right think and are in compliance," says Ken McDonald, King Enterprises and Associates Chief Financial Officer.

The new bill will go into effect July 1st, 2011.

The current federally required "I-9" paper-based system of collecting documents from employees does not require a Social Security number. But E-Verify does.

Georgia already has had an E-Verify mandate in place since 2006. All newly hired employees must have a Social Security Number.

 

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