SEATTLE (AP) — An unlikely alliance has been formed this year in Olympia to push a measure aimed at stopping any more cities and counties from adopting a federal program that checks a worker’s eligibility to work in the country.
Known as E-Verify, the internet-based program has been adopted by 11 cities and counties in Washington state so far.
Supporters of the program say it provides a free and easy way of doing background checks and avoiding paperwork problems, such as losing workers to questionable documents or facing fines for hiring an illegal immigrant.
But farmers and immigrant advocates say that that a national overhaul of the immigration system is needed before more enforcement is mandated, and state and local governments shouldn’t interfere.
