Legislators’ attempt to put tougher restrictions on illegal immigrants in Virginia failed in the state Senate Wednesday – all except for one bill.
The E-Verify bill, which would require any corporation doing business with Virginia subject their employees to an electronic background check verify their employees are eligible to work in the U.S.
It has survived in a Senate some Republicans say too often block measures to curb illegal immigration in the state. Democrats often say immigration reform unfairly targets Hispanics and could lower the rate at which they report crimes to local police.
Richard L. Anderson (R-51 Lake Ridge, Woodbridge) said he worked with Sen. George L. Barker to combine the language in both their bills to give the Senate something they both feel will pass.
“This is another step along this journey to put significant legislation forward to reform the problems caused by illegal immigration,” said Anderson.
Anderson’s bill with the revised language still has to pass the House, as does Barker’s bill has to pass the Senate.
Other legislation that would allow police officers to ask for proof of legal presence failed in the Senate.
