Iowa Lawmakers Begin Immigration Enforcement Debate

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 6, 2012 at 6:53 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2012 at 7:38 PM CDT

MARION, Iowa — Immigration policy may be a federal issue, but on Monday Iowa lawmakers started debate on a bill that would require both state and even local law enforcement to investigate complaints about illegal workers.

The bill in question is HF 2156 and 38 Republicans as well as three Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors. A subcommittee met late Monday to begin work on the legislation.

The bill would allow anyone to file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office or even a local county prosecutor. Verified complaints would be reported to federal immigration officials and employers who commit more than one violation could lose state business licenses.

Former Marion Mayor John Nieland thinks the proposed legislation is a great idea. In 2007, Nieland authorized Marion Police to send an officer to special training to deal with immigration issues. Nieland said he got involved on the local level then because of complaints from area contractors about unfair competition from companies using undocumented workers. “It’s almost identical to what I suggested we do,” Nieland said, adding, “I’m really happy state legislators are at least looking at it now.”

Pat Lang, owner of P. Lang Construction, is also a supporter of the proposed state law. Lang who employs about 20 people said the unfair competition with others who employ undocumented workers is as much of a problem now as when former Marion Mayor Nieland made it an issue.

The legislation would require employers to use the federal “e-verify” system to check the legal employment status of anyone applying for a job. and said going after a business license for those who repeatedly violate the rules would send a message. “This is truly something that has to be dealt with. I’m glad and support this first step wholeheartedly,” Lang said.

But opponents argue getting the state involved in what is a federal issue is not a good idea that would encourage racial profiling and drain local law enforcement resources. That fear of draining local resources is the reason the Iowa Attorney General’s Office is on record as opposing the bill. A spokesperson estimates enforcing such a law would cost the office nearly $200,000 a year in expenses to investigate even a modest number of complaints.

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