Burns fights for U.S. workers: ‘Stop contractors from hiring illegals’
Rep. Frank Burns March 21, 2017 | 2:19 PM
EBENSBURG, March 21 – U.S. jobs should go to U.S. workers, which is why state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is again backing a measure to require construction industry contractors to verify that their employees are legal citizens.
Burns previously sponsored H.B. 1881 and plans to do so when it’s reintroduced for the current legislative session, stating, “This bill is about saving Pennsylvania jobs, by penalizing unscrupulous contactors who hire illegals for personal gain.”
Under the bill, private construction contractors would have to have their employees approved by the E-Verify system run by the Department of Homeland Security. Construction firms that hire illegal workers would face penalties affecting their licensing and would risk debarment for willful violations.
Burns believes this legislation would level the playing field for contractors who do the right thing and hire legal workers.
“If we are serious about stopping illegal immigration, then we must stop companies from hiring and exploiting illegal workers for profit,” Burns said. “Currently, there are 35,000 illegals working in the construction industry. These are jobs Pennsylvanians should have.”
Burns acknowledges that for generations, immigrants have come to the United States in search of a job; however, he is also aware that illegal immigration is a constant drain on our country’s resources.
“It’s time we hold corporate America accountable for gaming the system,” Burns said. “They might not like it, but we need to stop contractors from hiring illegals.”