Idaho county to sue over illegal workers

[Eugene]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002386054_immigration17.html

Sunday, July 17, 2005 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

Idaho county to sue over illegal workers

By Rebecca Boone

The Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho — Faced with the costs of coping with illegal
immigrants, one county is looking to the courts for help — by filing
a racketeering lawsuit against the businesses that hire these workers.

The argument is that a pattern of immigration violations by employers
is costing Canyon County millions for law enforcement, education and
social services.

"They are a drain on the taxpayers of Canyon County, the state of
Idaho and the U.S. in general," county Commissioner Robert Vasquez,
who just started a bid for Congress, said of the illegal workers.

The county's attempt to recoup its expenses would be filed under the
federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, called
the RICO Act, which has been used against targets ranging from
organized crime to Internet spammers. It would be the first time that
a government has sued a business under RICO, enacted in 1970, legal
experts say.

more...

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I agree. Go after the businesses. Look at their taxes while you're at it.

The issue is older than when the "Okies" migrated to California. There's always been Mexican immigrants crossing the border, working as virtual indentured servants, and going home. The difference this time is the immigrants are staying, they are bringing their families or start families in this country, they tell their friends and family in Mexico that there are jobs here, and the bottom line is twofold: they are making an impact on social programs (read, higher taxes), tend to self-balkanize (remain outside "mainstream" American culture), and become as a political force as they organize.

The immigrants are taking advantage of opportunities being dangled at them. Go after the guys who believe that free enterprise means paying less than minimum wage and hiring an expendable workforce.

[Hotler]

2. Employers that hire illegals should be labeled unpatriotic., and get..

mandatory jail time. These are the same people that are quick to wave the flag and spew their holy-er than thou patriotism while hating American workers. It's all about greed with those employers.

[GetTheRightVote]

4. I hate to say it, but I have to agree, they are damaging our economy

They really need to be sent packing back to Mexico.

:kick:

[leesa]

3. Good! The corporatists want to rile the commoners about the "illegal

invasion", let's make them pay for causing the "illegal invasion". Good tactic!

[ConfuZed]

5. Its about time!

[dejaboutique]

6. good

hopefully other states follow suit

[NVMojo]

7. this is hysterical! Talk about a gridlock!

[barb162]

8. I hope Canyon County is successful in its suit