S.269, introduced by the Majority Leader on behalf of Senator Simpson, tracks the Commission recommendations closely in many areas that are critical to a comprehensive approach-worksite verification, increasing penalties for alien smuggling and document fraud, border management, and bringing eligibility for public assistance into line with the goals of our immigration policy. The Commissioners deeply appreciate the support which this Subcommittee has provided, on a bipartisan basis, to the Commission. Professor Barbara Jordan, our Chair, not only regretted that she could not be here personally today, she instructed me to offer the Commission' s assistance to the Subcommittee in any way we can be helpful as you move forward with this legislation. Let me sum up the Commission's reasons for proposing that we develop a better system for worksite verification. Reducing the employment magnet is the linchpin of a comprehensive strategy to reduce illegal immigration.
Illegal aliens are here for jobs.
That is the attraction. So the only effective way to deter illegal immigration must include the worksite. Better border enforcement is necessary, but not sufficient. No amount of border enforcement can solve that half of the problem-the people who enter legally and then do not leave when they should. We simply must develop a better system for verifying work authorization.