Ken Calvert: “I rise in support of S. 1685, the Basic Pilot Program Extension and Expansion Act of 2003. The basic pilot employment…”

“I rise in support of S. 1685, the Basic Pilot Program Extension and Expansion Act of 2003. The basic pilot employment verification system is the only automated system offered to employers to verify employment eligibility of new employees. In 1994 I spoke with a Border Patrol agent who identified a key need in the enforcement of immigration laws. Employers need a simple way, a reliable tool to verify the worker status of new employees. In response, I introduced a bill to create the basic pilot program to do just that. Operating in six of the most problematic States on a voluntary basis, the basic pilot has proven to be an overwhelming success. The basic pilot program is the best tool available for employers to comply with immigration laws which prohibit hiring undocumented immigrants. Recently, a contract cleaning service for Wal-Mart was raided by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and over 250 employees were arrested. If Wal-Mart's cleaning service had used the basic pilot program and verified the I-9 documents provided by their workers, this situation could have been avoided. We must provide companies the option of using this employment verification program and assist them in complying with Federal immigration law. This program is in no way mandatory. It is completely voluntary and may be used at the discretion of the employer.”