Long Island Hearing Focuses on Employer Verification

"Activists on both sides of Long Island's immigration debate came out in force yesterday at the Suffolk Legislature for an emotional public hearing that resulted in a yelling match between a legislator and a community activist. Nearly two hours into the hearing, the Rev. Allan Ramirez of the Brookville Reformed Church testified that the proposed legislation, which would require the county's 15,000 licensed contractors to verify their employees' legal working status, would divide the community and accused the bill's sponsor, Brian Beedenbender (D-Centereach), of being "a lackey" for County Executive Steve Levy," Newsday reports. "Beedenbender's resolution, which would be the first law of its kind in the state, would put contractors and other licensees at risk of losing their right to work in the county if they are found to be employing undocumented immigrants or fail to pay their taxes. The resolution would apply to new and renewal licenses for electricians, plumbers and home contractors and also some furniture salesmen, precious metal dealers and landscapers, said Presiding Officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook)."

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