Everson Speaks Out on Immigration Reform 

ATLANTA – On Monday, Governor Sonny Perdue signed the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act into law.  Senate bill 529 brings the State of Georgia into compliance with federal law regarding illegal immigration, by addressing issues of public safety, public contracts, private employers, public benefits and immigrant assistance.

Under this act, citizenship verification will be required for state employees and employers with state contracts and subcontracts, as well as for persons seeking the use of Georgia’s public services.  Additionally, provisions of the bill prohibit businesses, compensating employees more than $600 a year, from claiming wages as allowable business expenses.  These businesses will also be required to withhold a six percent tax on wages for all nonresidential aliens. 

Georgia’s public safety benefited from the measure by giving law enforcement agencies the authority to crack down on human trafficking and check the legal status of anyone charged with a felony or DUI.

“Our country was founded by immigrants. People come to this great nation seeking a better way of life and our laws are what keep our country great.  We value diversity but we must ask those seeking a better way of life here to abide by the laws set forth for the protection of everyone,” Representative Everson stated following the passage of SB 529.

For further information, please contact Rep. Everson’s office at 404-656-0188.

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