1996 delete sanction increase: comm (S1664)

In 1996, attempted higher fines on businesses which hire illegal aliens
Sen. ZZlastnameZZ came close in the Judiciary Committee consideration of S.1664 to making it less attractive for businesses to hire illegal aliens. Under the idea that current fines were not enough of a deterrent against businesses cutting their labor costs by hiring illegal aliens, the Senate immigration subcommittee had approved higher fines. Various study commissions have found that the willingness of U.S. businesses to hire illegal aliens is the No. 1 incentive for foreign workers to become illegal aliens here. But Sen. Hatch – Judiciary chairman – moved that the higher fines be deleted. While nine members supported the chairman, Sen. ZZlastnameZZ was one of eight members who tried to keep the higher fines in the 1996 legislation against illegal immigration.