Indiana State Senator Proposes Tougher Immigration Bill

Last year, Indiana Senator Mike Delph proposed an immigration bill that failed, but he’s proposed a new bill which he says would be the toughest immigration law in the country. Delph filed Senate Bill 580 for the third straight year, which is designed to punish those who harbor, transport or employ illegal aliens in the State of Indiana.

Under the proposed piece of legislation, businesses found guilty of hiring undocumented workers could face a three-year suspension of their business license. Other states have similar laws already in place, but in those states, most businesses face a much shorter suspension. Businesses with three violations could also face a permanent loss of license. But the bill does provide protection for businesses who verify the status of employees through E-Verify.

“After discussing the bill with Senate leadership and colleagues, I am confident this will pass out of the Senate and if enacted make Indiana a leader in illegal immigration reform,” Delph said through a press release. “We have the opportunity to come together this session saying we no longer tolerate the failure of the federal government to protect our borders and ensure our national security.”

The bill will face its first hearing during the first week of February in the State Senate’s Pension and Labor Committee.

Read Senate Bill 580.