U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson to Lead Congressional Hearing on Immigration Enforcement, Employment Verification

Monday July 31 in Plano, Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, July 31, 2006 at 11am (CT), the U.S. House Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations, chaired by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), will hold a hearing on “Immigration: Enforcing Employee Work Eligibility Laws and Implementing a Stronger Employment Verification System” at the Plano, Texas City Hall.

The hearing is one in a series the House Education & the Workforce Committee is holding nationwide to examine key aspects of and proposed changes to U.S. border security and enforcement, with a particular focus on the U.S. workforce. 

This hearing will focus on the impact and enforcement of current employment eligibility laws, while examining both House and Senate proposals to change those laws as part of a border security and enforcement bill.  Under current law, employers are required to inspect government-issued identification to assure that an individual is eligible to work in this country, and must require that an employee complete an I-9 form to attest to their work eligibility.  In addition to the paper-based system, employers may elect to participate in an electronic system, the Basic Pilot Program.  Participants in the Basic Pilot Program electronically verify employees’ work eligibility through the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security.

Note: The hearing will operate under the official rules of the Education & the Workforce Committee.  Invited witnesses will testify.  Members of the public may attend and, if they wish, submit written comments for the official hearing record.

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WHAT: Hearing on “Immigration: Enforcing Employee Work Eligibility Laws and Implementing a Stronger Employment Verification System”

WHO: U.S. House Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations

           Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), Chairman

WHEN: Monday, July 31, 2006, 11am (CT)

WHERE: Plano City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1520 Avenue K, Plano, Texas

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WITNESS LIST

John Chakwin

Special Agent in Charge

Department of Homeland Security

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Dallas Office of Investigations

Dallas, Texas

Jon L. Luther

Chief Executive Officer

Dunkin Donuts

Canton, Massachusetts

Abel Martinez

Vice-President – Partner Relations

Risk Management & Compliance

H-E-B Grocery Company

San Antonio, Texas

Geri Simmons

Human Resources Manager

***Testifying on Behalf of Society for Human Resource Management

Alexandria, Virginia

Additional witness may be announced