DES MOINES, Iowa — Advocates for immigrants living in Iowa traveled to the state capitol Monday to express their feelings about legislative proposals they say will hurt immigrants living in the state.
The bills range on topics from requiring proof of citizenship to qualify for in-state tuition, to confirming citizenship status through E-Verifying an employee, to limiting public assistance. Yet another bill would give Iowa law enforcement and judges the ability to enforce federal immigration law.
“Iowa needs immigrants," said Emily Sinnwell. "We need state policy that brings more workers here. Not more anti-immigrant hate and hysteria."
Advocates emphasized immigrants’ contributions to the economy through their participation in the workforce.
Sinnwell told Local 5 that legislators need to focus more on making the process of getting a work permit faster so that immigrants have better access to lawyer and housing. She noted that seeking asylum can be a lengthy process.
However, not everyone agrees with Sinnwell and other immigration advocates. Iowa State Sen. Julian Garrett, R-Indianola, spoke to Local 5 about SF 108, which would require Iowa employers to use E-Verify to ensure potential employees are legally living in the U.S.
Garrett said there are currently no state requirements forcing employers to check citizenship status. He feels employers who hire people living in the country illegally have an unfair advantage.
“It’s not fair to honest employers and employees to have to compete with people who are here illegally and willing to work at cut-rate wages," Garrett said.
He explained that violators of this bill could lose their business license if caught hiring individuals living in the U.S. without legal permission. However, businesses can get that license back if they come into compliance with the law within a certain timeframe.
E-Verify is something thousands of Iowa employers already use, according to Garrett. He doesn't believe the added requirement will be burdensome for employers.
Opponents of the legislation note that E-Verify requirements will limit migrants' access to work, while also posing other financial barriers.
"In order to have a work permit, I needed a lawyer and, to be able to pay for the lawyer, I had to work through places where E-Verify does not apply," an immigrant told Local 5 through the help of a translator.