COLUMBIA — South Carolina legislators are considering how to clamp down harder on illegal workers, just two years after passing one of the country’s toughest anti-illegal immigration laws.
A Senate subcommittee discussed a measure Thursday to make it a crime for an illegal immigrant to work or seek work in the state. Current law puts the onus on businesses to avoid hiring illegal workers.
The bill would also bring South Carolina more in line with a new law in Arizona. It would direct South Carolina law enforcement to try to check the legal status of anyone stopped or arrested for another reason if officers have reasonable suspicion.
The specifics are yet to be worked out. Legislators acknowledge the bill has no chance of approval this year. Lawmakers are to adjourn for the year in two weeks.