@scamp: I run a commercial construction company. We chose to use E verify for all applicants. We have had to turn away some that would have been good people. It should be mandatory. If it were, at least then some of my competitors would be on the same playing field.

@Fairlane67: Where there is no job from where they came, any job here will be taken. There will always be some that will hire. It appears that the Republicans do not desire to solve this issue. We'll certainly see in the coming year.

Removed By Request

@tb505: The Obama administration has started counting certain “returns” as “removals” in order to artificially inflate the numbers and create a “record level” of deportations. Specifically, those caught by the Border Patrol who are shuttled to a different town along the border before they are returned are being dishonestly counted as deportations. This has falsely increased the number of total removals by more than 100,000 for the past two years.
In fact, if we count removals and returns together historically, then the Obama administration numbers are not close to “record-setting.” In the 1990s, the totals of returns and removals were well over one million. For example, according to the yearbook of immigration statistics, in 1996, removals and returns numbered more than 1.6 million, up from more than 1.3 million in 1995.I'll look for the link, but does it really matter? People will try to discredit the source if it doesn't jibe with their certain political persuasions anyway.

@Fairlane67: Unfortunately - in most cases - the prospect of working under the table - lacking benefits, job security, or even fear of deportation; emergency medical care only - still brings far greater rewards than the idea of returning to home country given the crime rates, education shortfalls and potential to make a few bucks a day.Doesn't make any of it right - but I'm thinking the argument of economic deportation may be as sound as busing them all home. Neither is really a feasible solution - (until they start jailing corporate execs guilty of the hiring practices)Although I applaud your companies efforts - and wish this could be enforced across the board - it also encourages ID theft - having a relative who has at least 3 people living & working in the US under his SSN.

^^RRoy I am surprised by your pessimism. Severe Penalties for hiring Illegal labor ( significant fines, suspension of licensing to start ). Period. What is your argument against that?E Verify will lead to ID theft?? I am sorry in what decade are we living? Better get off the grid now...No it doesn't deport 100% of illegal immigrants...but what program ever has or will?Sorry friend...You are the one not making a sound argument.

@Fairlane67: no arguments against the penalties - they have been in place for many years - how well are they working?Although everify is definitely a step in the right direction - do you doubt the id theft issue?just curious. - not arguing against everify - it just seems a continuation of failed policies already in place. But as you are in the commercial construction industry - perhaps you can shed some light on the current state of illegals in the construction workforce. And how well it is working.I am somewhat removed from it directly - as the petrochem industry keeps a pretty tight grip on the workforce

Did y'all even watch the video....This has nothing to do with the content of the video

RRoy...those programs and penalties are NOT enforced....just like all of the immigration laws in the first place. Selective enforcement. This is and always will be a failure...yes we agree.But what I am saying is for our Government (all of them) to sink some teeth into this issue....and it mostly gets solved by the simple economics of the matter. If I know that I could lose my license or face $ 1mil fine for hiring illegal labor, against the E Verify system....I will never take that chance. It will reduce the illegal workforce.And in long run, just maybe, Mexico will stand up for their own problems if they have no where to go.

@macdaddy: No man...we hi jacked the hell out of your thread...

Oh man.... I would never do that

@AtascaGuy: Regardless of how it's counted, point is they aren't here...What I was saying is the deportations haven't decreased...

@Fairlane67: Wow! I actually agree with most of this...Excellent observation...

@Fairlane67: My question here would be, do you use Subcontractors? If so, do you also hold those Subcontractors to the same employment standards(use the E verify, no illegals working for them)?

@blueyes: And somebody has to have the balls to step up to the plate and get the ball rolling on it if it's going to get fixed....THANKS OBAMA!!.....