Immigration legislation approved

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A legislative committee has voted to approve legislation that would crack down on Rhode Island businesses that employ illegal immigrants.

The bill sponsored by Democratic state Representative John Brien of Woonsocket would require private businesses to sign statements pledging that all employees are in the country legally.

Violations could result in fines or even jail time.

The proposal has drawn opposition from immigrant advocates, civil libertarians and even business groups.

Brien tells The Providence Journal that the real issue is jobs.
The proposal was approved 11 to 3 by the House Labor Committee on Wednesday. It now goes to the full House.

It would still require passage in the Senate, where it has stalled in the past.