Barbour expected to back reforms on immigrant hires

The Clarion-Ledger, 3/6/8

A spokesman for Gov. Haley Barbour said he will probably support the first immigration-reform legislation sent to him by state lawmakers, a bill that would force companies to take extra measures in making sure illegal immigrants aren’t hired.

Senate Bill 2988, approved overwhelmingly by House members Wednesday, is headed to Barbour for his consideration. If approved, it would require employers to use an online database to determine whether potential workers are U.S. citizens.

Companies would have to use eVerify, a federal pilot program that is voluntary. It accesses Social Security and federal immigration records, but critics say it sometimes provides inaccurate information.