KTRE.com | Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Texas Bill would make hiring illegal workers a felony

Bill would make hiring illegal workers a felony

By Tina Alexander - bio | email

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A state representative from Houston has filed a bill that would make it a state jail felony to knowingly hire an illegal immigrant -- unless the person is a domestic worker.

Republican Rep. Debbie Riddle has long fought for a tougher stance on illegal immigration. The bill she authored would penalize those who knowingly or recklessly hire or contract with an undocumented worker.

But jobs like maids, landscapers and other domestic positions within a family home would be exempt. Critics say it exposes the hypocrisy of lawmakers who vow to crack down on illegal immigration but want to create a loophole for Americans benefiting from household services.

What do you think of the proposed Texas bill that would make hiring illegal workers illegal?  Take our KTRE.com web poll.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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