Court upholds Arizona employment verification requirement
May 26, 2011 | 05:20 PM
In a ruling that could have an impact on agriculture businesses that have hired undocumented workers, the U.S. Supreme Court today upheld an Arizona law requiring all employers in the state to utilize E-Verify, a federal electronic employment eligibility verification system that had been, to date, voluntary nationwide.
The court, in a 5-3 ruling, also upheld Arizona’s law revoking the licenses of businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
The United Fresh Produce Association, which represents fruit and vegetable growers, said in a news release that produce industry employers “are steadfastly committed to ensuring all employees are properly documented and legally eligible to work.”
The group also encouraged Congress to adopt “a consistent federal labor eligibility standard, including a workable guest worker program” to ensure a viable labor supply of agricultural workers.
The court, in a 5-3 ruling, also upheld Arizona’s law revoking the licenses of businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
The United Fresh Produce Association, which represents fruit and vegetable growers, said in a news release that produce industry employers “are steadfastly committed to ensuring all employees are properly documented and legally eligible to work.”
The group also encouraged Congress to adopt “a consistent federal labor eligibility standard, including a workable guest worker program” to ensure a viable labor supply of agricultural workers.
