As previously reported by KCII, lawmakers are looking at a bill that would require businesses to screen workers through the federal E-Verify program, and also allows anonymous complaints to be made against businesses about potential illegal workers which would then have to be investigated by County Attorneys or Local Police. The bill, House File 2156 has cleared the House Judiciary Committee, and is now available for debate in the House. Both County Attorney Larry Brock and State Representative Jarad Klein have expressed concerns with this bill, specifically with the extra work it would put on county attorneys, and the anonymous complaint process. But a spokesman for Tyson, a poultry production company with a plant in Columbus Junction that employs a large number of Hispanic workers, says they already use the E-Verify program and have no problems with it. In fact they encourage all businesses to use the system. He says he can’t comment on the anonymous complaint process, because he isn’t familiar with the area. But immigrant rights groups say it could create an environment where legal immigrants face hostility. KCII will continue to follow this bill and bring you more information as it becomes official.

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