Illegal immigrants

There is an immediate need to draft legislation in Montana, which would deny illegal immigrants the use of our schools, health facilities and social services. Included in this legislation must be substantial penalties for Montana businesses, which employ illegal immigrants either directly or through sub-contractors.

These unethical businesses, which employ illegal immigrants, need to be criminally charged. You see, many of these businesses actually contract with human smugglers (coyotes) to transport their human cargo from other states or Mexico to job sites in Montana. According to national statistics, the illegal immigrants are rapidly moving into the home and commercial construction business. For example, it is estimated that over 28 percent of all drywall workers in America are illegal immigrants. They are taking jobs that Americans want to do!

I believe the fines brought against these businesses should be all or part of the following:

?$2,500 per illegal;

?Plus the difference between the illegal wages and union scale wages for time employed;

?Plus taxes and other benefits not paid;

?And the cost of arresting, detaining and health care given to these illegals should be paid by the Federal Government, not the county or state.

It is bad enough that our government is allowing two to three million illegal immigrants to cross our borders every year. I believe it unconscionable that we allow our own businesses to aid and assist the illegal immigrants, as well. Thank you.

Dan Griffin

SD 5 candidate