Jun 9 11:53 AM US/Eastern
By SUZANNE GAMBOA

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush has signed an executive order requiring contractors and others who do business with the federal government to make sure their employees can legally work in the U.S.
Bush signed the order Friday and the White House announced the order Monday.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez planned an afternoon news conference to discuss the order and other ways the administration has stepped up its crackdown on illegal immigration.

The order says federal departments and agencies must require contractors to use an electronic system to verify that the workers are eligible to work in the U.S.

The order is aimed at cracking down on hiring of illegal immigrants. But people who overstayed visas or came to the country legally but do not have permission to work, such as some students or those awaiting work permits, also could be snagged with the system.

"It is the policy of the executive branch to enforce fully the immigration laws of the United States, including the detection and removal of illegal aliens and the imposition of legal sanctions against employers that hire illegal aliens," in the executive order says.

The order comes as a worker verification bill has essentially stalled in Congress. A Democratic immigration enforcement bill would require employers to check the citizenship and legal status of all their employees.

The issue has long been debated but has run into opposition over the years from business groups who say the E-Verify system is flawed and civil libertarians who say it will lead to discrimination and job losses by U.S. citizen workers misidentified as illegal workers.

Comprehensive immigration bills considered by Congress in 2006 and 2007 included worker verification measures. But after they failed, states began passing their own laws to keep employers from hiring undocumented workers.



Poster's Note: Yeah my jaw just hit the floor......

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The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. United State Constitution, Art. I Sec. 9 Par. 2

"Dissent is the Highest form of Patriotism" -- Howard Zinn

i dont get it, you want the federal government employing illigal immigrants?

I am getting the jist right?

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"They must find it difficult...Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than the truth as authority"

no, But Bush was in favor of a fast track to citizenship (basically amnesty.) What get me is his all of a sudden crackdown on Illegals. One thing I see that he is finally doing right. I wonder if Calderon pissed him off.

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The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. United State Constitution, Art. I Sec. 9 Par. 2

"Dissent is the Highest form of Patriotism" -- Howard Zinn

maybe the old dog is trying to make things right

one things for sure, they will never ever forget President George W Bush

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"They must find it difficult...Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than the truth as authority"

Nope they won't, for good or bad

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The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. United State Constitution, Art. I Sec. 9 Par. 2

"Dissent is the Highest form of Patriotism" -- Howard Zinn

If you guys remember, in government's quest to pass "fast track" legislation on immigration, the people stood up and revolted. The government relented.

Power to the people!

Vi

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Liberals are people that will believe anything twice.

This may be the one thing I can agree with Bush on, but there are hudreds of other things I don't. The list is long.

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Life is good, the water is sweet. The ground keeps moving beneath my feet.

You agree with amnesty for illegal aliens?

Vi

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Liberals are people that will believe anything twice.

c'mon vi, you know perfectly well that this is one area, perhaps the only one where most of us are in perfect agreement. unless you're having a senior moment you must remember med's mini-rants about the subject.

the entire illegal immigrant question is one of the few areas where the people were actually listened to by their representatives. the success of the massive popular campaign to stop amnesty legislation might even lead some to believe that the system works and this latest grandstand play by baby bush could be seen as a part of that success. the probable truth of the matter is a bit more depressing. as the tenure of our current administration draws to a close, the president is most likely attempting to add a few positive notes to his rather dismal reign. going down in the history books as the president most people would like to see in a shallow grave is a bitter pill to swallow and taking a few stands that are actually popular with the people might go a long way to alleviating the ill will he has cultivated over the last eight years. he doesn't have to worry about currying favor with minority blocs or business interests, he's gone for good in six months, so he can afford to do as the people demand.

don't worry, with the new administration will come a new battle over amnesty. with democrats in complete control the will of the people won't have a chance. no matter how loud we scream, "the party of the people" will do as they damn well please and we will probably end up with millions of new citizens in short order. i know you live here in california. do you speak spanish? if not, you'll probably be forced to learn soon.

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When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.