Donnelly to address employers who hire illegals
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Democrat Congressman Joe Donnelly addressed issues about everything from national to local concerns with county residents at a town hall meeting Thursday evening. Speaking to a crowd of approximately 27 at the Stone Barn in Delphi, Donnelly talked about the high cost of fuel, the war in Iraq and renewable energy sources.

He also discussed illegal immigration and border security.

"There is no border security," Donnelly told the audience. "We must get control of our borders," he said. "And we must get control of employers who hire illegals."

Donnelly told the Comet after the meeting that he does not support President Bush's immigration bill. One reason is that he is not in favor of giving amnesty to those who have entered our country illegally.

Donnelly also said he was in favor of holding employers responsible for hiring illegals and strict enforcement of current employment laws. He said employers should be held accountable for new hires.

"I want to make sure employers verify workers are legal before they are hired," he said.

Donnelly's office in South Bend advised he has co-sponsored a bill, "Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act" with Baron Hill.

Field representative Julie Kitchell will hold hours in Delphi at the library on the second Wednesday of each month from 3 to 6 p.m. and the fourth Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Constituents are encouraged to meet with Kitchell to voice concerns and ask questions about pertinent issues.