BLOGROLL

Earlier this week, Senator Hatch was played an important role in securing passage of two immigration enforcement measures.

The first measure requires the Department of Homeland Security's to complete construction of pedestrian border fencing along the entire southwestern border.

Hatch commented:

I think everyone in America knows that we have a problem with the security on our borders. I've said for a long time that, when it comes to fixing our immigration system, border security has to be our first priority. Building a border fence that actually works will be a huge step forward in this effort.

The other immigration enforcement legislation Hatch helped pass permanently authorized the E-Verify program that allows employers to electronically verify the immigration status of employees. Without this legislation, the E-Verify program was set to expire on September 30th. In addition to extending the program, government contractors will not be required to use the E-Verify program to check the employment status of employees working on government contracts -- ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to employ illegal immigrants.

Hatch commented further:

E-Verify has proven to be a valuable tool to help businesses comply with the law. The Democrats have been very reluctant to extend this program longer than a few months at a time. Yet none of them wanted to go on the record in opposition to the program today, because I think they all see how important this program is in helping businesses ensure that they are in compliance with the law and that their workers are legally eligible to work in the United States. This amendment ensures that we won't face the same eleventh-hour dilemmas that we've had to deal with on this program in the past. I have consistently supported this program and have worked to make sure that it remains available, so I am thrilled that this amendment will accomplish that goal.