Bush tightens grip on illegal immigrant workers and employers

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‘President Bush issued an executive order today requiring all federal contractors to use an electronic verification system to ensure their workers can legally work in the United States,’ reports Nicole Gaouette of the Times’ Washington bureau.

‘The move is the latest step by the administration to ratchet up enforcement of immigration laws by using tough measures, including a series of high-profile raids on work sites and factories across the country.’

’ ‘Contractors that employ illegal aliens cannot rely on the continuing availability and service of those illegal workers,’ the administration said in a statement.’

‘Bush administration officials last year outlined a series of steps to change immigration regulations after Congress failed to pass broad immigration reform. The administration efforts involve changes to federal regulations that are meant to make it easier for some industries to hire foreign workers. Other changes are meant to strengthen enforcement and improve immigrant assimilation.’

-- Reed Johnson in Mexico City