FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE – June 15, 2011

NUNNELEE E-VERIFY AMENDMENT ADOPTED

Amendment will help eliminate illegal employment that is costing U.S citizens jobs and money

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss) successfully inserted an amendment in the FY 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill that will prohibit any Federal agency funded by the bill to hire an employee that is not verified through the E-Verify Program.

“This is a common-sense amendment that simply uses the appropriations process to enforce the E-Verify system that is currently in place,” said Nunnelee.  “While nearly 14 million Americans are looking for work, research estimates that more than 7 million illegal aliens hold jobs in the U.S. workforce.”

“Illegal employment is one of the driving forces of illegal immigration and a contributing factor to our nation’s current debt problem.  Illegal immigrants use our medical services, draw on state and federal assistance and take advantage of our educational system for their children – all at the cost of hardworking taxpayers.  As a member of the Immigration Reform Caucus, I am committed to identifying legislative solutions that address the issue of illegal immigration. Similar E-Verify language has been included in the Homeland Security bill, and this amendment is a step in the right direction,” concluded Nunnelee.

The E-Verify Program is an existing and authorized voluntary program that enables employers to verify the name, Social Security Number and alien identification number (for non-citizens) of newly hired employees.

Amendment to Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Offered by Congressman Alan Nunnelee:

“None of the funds made available under this Act may be expended for any new hire by any Federal agency funded in this Act that is not verified through the E-Verify Program established under section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note).”

Congressman Alan Nunnelee represents Mississippi’s First Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee. He is a member of the Immigration Reform Caucus.

 This is his first term.

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nunnelee.house.gov

1432 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-4306