William F. Smith: “Mr. Speaker, the basic pilot program was originally authorized in the 1996 Immigration Act. It allows employers in six…”

“Mr. Speaker, the basic pilot program was originally authorized in the 1996 Immigration Act. It allows employers in six States to verify the validity of the Social Security numbers of new hires. S. 1685 reauthorizes this program and expands it to allow employers in all 50 States to voluntarily participate in the basic pilot program. The program offers employers the opportunity to ensure that individuals they hire are eligible to work in the United States. Illegal immigrants drive down wages and take jobs from American workers. Recent studies show immigration has depressed the wages of American workers in similar jobs by more than $2,500 per year. Ninety percent of the American people believe that we should reduce illegal immigration, and 79 percent feel that the Federal Government should require employers to verify the work status of potential employees. The main attraction for the 10 to 20 million illegal aliens who have crossed our borders is work. If we want to reduce the incentive for illegal immigration and its negative impacts, we must reduce the availability of jobs for illegal immigrants. This program reduces illegal immigration because it allows employers to make sure they are only hiring someone who is eligible to work in the United States. Everyone who is concerned about lost jobs and unemployment should support the expansion of the basic pilot program.”