Good News on E-Verify from Washington State

Our friends in Washington State, in the activist group Respect Washington, report that an effort by advocates for illegal aliens to ban the use of E-Verify in Washington State has been defeated.　The bill, HB 2568, would have forbidden local governments to require contractors to enroll in E-Verify.　This proposed legislation would have struck down E-Verify laws already enacted in several Washington counties.　The bill died on Monday, Feb. 13, when it failed to receive a floor vote.

Respect Washington also announces that there will be a new Respect for Law petition drive this year.　 Forms will be available for signatures by early March.  See Respect Washington’s website for full description.

The petition has 5 major provisions, summarized here:

1. Restores the right of police and other public employees to communicate with Federal immigration authorities, despite "sanctuary" policies.

2. Requires use of E-Verify by all employers.

3. Requires use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program (similar to E-Verify) prior to administering taxpayer-funded benefits.

4. Requires use of SAVE by the State before issuing driver’s licenses.

5. Mandates courts to inform the Washington Secretary of State of potential jurors summoned who swore ineligibility due to non-U.S. citizenship.　 The Secretary of State will then verify that these individuals are not registered to vote.

If you have relatives or friends in Washington State, please alert them to Respect Washington’s activities and the petition project.