HARRISBURG – In his continuing effort to address issues relating to the federal immigration crisis, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) unveiled his “Stop Illegal Immigration in Pennsylvania” bill package at a Capitol press conference on Monday. His proposals are designed to protect American jobs, Pennsylvania residents, vulnerable individuals, and taxpayer dollars.

“Due to the failed immigration policies of the Biden administration, the situation at our borders continues to pose significant challenges. Over the past few years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seen record numbers of encounters, with about 10 million immigrants entering the country illegally. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action,” said Mackenzie. “In Pennsylvania, we are unfortunately not immune to the effects of this national trend. The influx of illegal immigrants has a direct impact on our communities.”

The proposals included in the bill package are as follows:

• E-Verify for State Grant Recipients – Bill would require entities that receive state grants to use the federal E-Verify system to ensure their employees are authorized to work in the United States.
• E-Verify for Food Industry – Bill would require employers in the meatpacking and food preparation industries to use the federal E-Verify system to ensure their employees are authorized to work in the United States.
• E-Verify for Lodging Industry – Bill would require hotels and other lodging industry employers to use the federal E-Verify system to ensure their employees are authorized to work in the United States.
• Report Health Care Costs for Illegal Immigrants – Bill would require all hospitals licensed in Pennsylvania to report the number of admissions and emergency room visits made by illegal immigrants to the Department of Health each year. The department would then develop an annual report including information related to the cost of uncompensated care provided to illegal immigrants and the impact this has on the Commonwealth’s hospitals.
• Ban Out-of-State Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Immigrants – Bill would invalidate classes of out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. The bill is based on a new Florida law that invalidates driver’s licenses issued specifically to undocumented immigrants and makes them subject to penalties similar to operating a vehicle without a license.
• Protect Unaccompanied Immigrant Children – Bill would ensure unaccompanied immigrant children are afforded the same protections already established for the children of Pennsylvania by requiring a sponsor to undergo the same stringent background check as employees who have contact with children, including adoptive and foster parents.
• Crack Down on Human Traffickers – Bill would provide that a person commits a felony of the third degree if the he or she encourages or induces an undocumented immigrant to enter or remain in Pennsylvania by concealing, harboring, or shielding the immigrant from detection.

“I believe the legislation I unveiled today would help to resolve some of the troubling issues associated with illegal immigration here in Pennsylvania,” concluded Mackenzie. “I encourage the House Democrat majority to bring these measures up for consideration before the current legislative session concludes.”

In December 2023, Mackenzie introduced a six-bill bill package of immigration-related legislation entitled “Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration,” which remains under consideration in the House of Representatives. His proposals would protect American jobs, keep communities safe, and ensure integrity in Pennsylvania elections.

Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs