Texas Issue Alert - HB 2886 by Rep Paul Workman

HB 2886 – “relating to the establishment of a work program for certain persons not legally authorized to be in the United States; providing penalties”

The federal government has failed to enforce the federal immigration system which has placed states like Texas under pressure. It is reasonable for the state to step in and establish a system to allow migrant workers to work legally in this state and to monitor their impact. HB 2886 which establishes a process for the state to regulate migrant workers will be heard in the Texas House State Affairs Committee, tomorrow, April 6^th upon adjournment of the House session in room JHR 140.

DETAILS:

HB 2886 provides for a state issued migrant worker “resident alien card” outlining a path for migrant workers to be legally employed in Texas. The resident alien card must contain a photograph, fingerprint and magnetic code to confirm the cardholder’s identity.

HB 2886 sets the cost of the resident alien card to $4,000 for 8 years of eligibility and provides for collection and distribution of those fees back to the state and local communities to offset expenses related to thee workers.

HB 2886 requires an employer to withhold state taxes from resident aliens, give preference in hiring to US citizen, and provide equal benefits to an employee with a resident alien card.

HB 2886 allows for compliance enforcement at job sites and provides a fine of $10,000 per employee to a business if the employee is working with out a resident alien card. A foreign national who is not lawfully employed is to be reported and deported and ineligible for life to return to work in Texas.

HB2886 provides for a revocation of the alien resident card and deportation if the applicant is convicted of a Class B misdemeanor or higher.

BACKGROUND:

Like many states across the nation, immigration has become a key issue in the state of Texas, with over 100 bills filed aimed at reform. Constituents who are voicing their concerns and a federal government that has been unable to pass comprehensive reforms have driven the movement in the states. In recent months the states have begun to address immigration in absence of federal reform.

A comprehensive state reform bill would need to address three pillars – tougher enforcement, a guest worker program, fines and worker permits – in order to be beneficial. Several states have passed reform bills and the most recent bill passed in Utah contains these elements. Texas in in dire need of comprehensive immigration reform legislation and efforts to pass bills to address these elements must be given a chance.

KEY FACTS:

• HB 2886 provides for a mechanism for the state to collect taxes on unlawful persons in this state.
• HB 2866 will ensure that employers hired only legally eligible workers.
• HB 2866 will provide a legal method for foreign nationals to work in this state

TAKE ACTION:

HB 2866 will be heard on Wednesday, April 6 in House State Affairs Committee. Please contact the House State Affairs Committee and Representative Workman to voice your opinion on this important issue.

House State Affairs Committee
512-463-0814
Representative Paul Workman
512-463-0652

Members House State Affairs Committee:
Cook / Chairman; Menedez /Vice-Chairman
Craddick, Frullo, Gallego, Geren, Harless, Hildebran,
Huberty, Olivera, Smithee, Solomons, Turner

(Find out how to contact these officials and who represents you at www.capitol.state.tx.us)

If you would like to testify on this bill, the hearing will be held in:
JHR 140 (John H. Reagan Building)

Remember -- your voice is a vital part of the state's discussion about immigration. Please take action on this issue today. Thank you!