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An option. And federal contractors must use E-verify.

New city law targets illegals
By Lionel Green
The Reporter

Published December 6, 2008
The Albertville City Council passed a resolution Monday targeting contractors who employ “unauthorized aliens.”

The move comes just one month after the new mayor and council took office, signaling a more serious tone regarding illegal immigration.

“That should be a pretty good indication we’re serious about that hot topic from the campaign,” said Councilman Chuck Ellis.

“You talk to everybody on the campaign trail and that was the one thing everyone wanted to talk about ... the effects of illegal immigration on the community.”

The resolution is patterned after one passed and tested in the courts by the Madison County Commission, said Mayor Lindsey Lyons.

Albertville’s version requires contractors and suppliers with three or more employees to certify that they and their subcontractors use E-Verify to ensure no unauthorized aliens are used in providing services to the city. It applies to contracts of $100,000 or more, although Lyons wants to reduce that figure to $50,000.

Contractors have to sign statements of verification to submit with bid packages, and the city will reject packages without the signed statements.

If unauthorized aliens are not fired when discovered, then contracts may be terminated pending the outcome of a hearing.

Lyons said the city will investigate tips from citizens regarding suspected illegals but doesn’t plan to use city employees to actively patrol the work sites of contractors.

“We’re setting a tone here on illegal immigration,” Lyons said. “As long as the contractor terminates the employees who are not authorized to work in this country, the contract will stay in force. Only when they refuse to do that, will we terminate the contract.”

Council President Diane McClendon said the resolution is a preventive measure allowing the city to actively address the issue of unauthorized aliens.

“I think it could become a problem,” she said. “But it’s also for their protection from being abused.”

Ellis believes enforcement is key.

“It’s only going to be as effective as the enforcement criteria that you use,” Ellis said. “You get what you inspect and you get what you expect. Eventually you have to inspect them to make sure they re doing what’s right.

“But No. 1 is you have to make sure it’s fair to everybody.”

Ellis said enforcement depends on Lyons.

“Enforcement will center around the mayor’s office and how active he wants to be involved in enforcement,” said Ellis, who’s a state trooper.

“I think he will be active. Lindsey is very adamant about the fact that illegal immigration has become a huge issue in the city.

“I think when the people see we’re serious about it, they’ll start taking it seriously.”