MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER

April 14, 2008

Rogers pushes for immigration bill

Rep. Mike Rogers signed a discharge petition late last week that could force a vote on legislation to strengthen border security and tighten requirements on employers to verify workers’ legal status.

Rogers, R-Saks, joined mostly other Republicans in supporting the legislation offered by Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C. The Republican leadership endorses forcing a vote on Shuler’s bill because it would require Democrats to take up the immigration issue.

“Folks back home are disappointed, as I am, that Congress hasn’t done more recently to help secure our borders,” Rogers said. “If Speaker (Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.) is serious about addressing this issue, she will let the House vote on this strong, bipartisan legislation without further delay.”

The bill would increase spending on workplace enforcement of immigration laws and require employers to verify workers' status through a Department of Homeland Security database, which currently is voluntary. Shuler introduced his legislation in November, but it has yet to be scheduled for a committee hearing.

Rogers was the 186th signer of the discharge petition, which needs 218 signatures to force a vote on the House floor. All Alabama Republicans House members -- Terry Everett, Spencer Bacchus, Jo Bonner, Robert Aderholt -- have signed on.

-- Doug Abrahms

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