The year got off to a positive start when, on his first day in office, Governor Chafee signed an executive order lifting a requirement that state agencies and business contractors use the deeply flawed federal E-Verify program to check the immigration status of workers.  Shortly after the executive order was signed, the ACLU testified in House committees on legislation that would have reinstated use of this program, which is not only error-prone but has been misused by employers to engage in workplace discrimination on the basis of national origin.  The Affiliate also testified on a pro-active bill, H 5225, sponsored by Rep. Grace Diaz, to keep E-Verify voluntary, and to provide recourse for individuals who felt they were inappropriately pre-screened by an employer.  By the session’s end, neither bill had moved out of committee.  Read our written testimony regarding the problems with E-Verify here

Status

Died

Session

2011

Bill number

H 5043, H 5312, S 337