Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SCR1614

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

Urging the United States Congress to increase the penalties for violations of federal immigration laws and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prosecute employers who hire undocumented immigrants.

Impact

If passed, the resolution aims to influence federal immigration policy by advocating for harsher penalties against those who violate immigration laws. This could lead to an increase in criminal prosecutions of employers and a significant impact on hiring practices across various industries. The resolution points out that despite ICE having prosecutorial authority since 1986, enforcement has been minimal, with very few legal actions taken against violators. SCR1614 calls for the doubling of fines associated with immigration violations, potentially changing the risk-reward calculus for companies that currently employ undocumented labor.

Summary

SCR1614 urges the United States Congress to increase penalties for violations of federal immigration laws and calls on the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prosecute employers who hire undocumented immigrants. The bill highlights the substantial presence of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. labor force, estimated between 4.4% and 5.4%. It posits that by hiring undocumented individuals, employers not only take jobs away from American citizens but also contribute to a suppression of wages, making it difficult for American workers to earn livable wages.

Contention

Notably, the resolution raises questions about the balance between enforcement and the economic dependence on undocumented labor within certain sectors. Advocates for the resolution argue that tougher penalties will help to discourage illegal hiring practices and promote fair wages for all workers. Conversely, opponents may argue that the bill could lead to increased hardships for industries reliant on undocumented workers and might not effectively address the complexities of immigration and labor issues. Overall, this resolution reflects ongoing tensions in the national conversation regarding immigration policy, labor rights, and the responsibilities of employers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB522

Creating the crime of unlawful entry into the state of Kansas and requiring notification of federal immigration authorities upon arrest for such offense.

KS SR1737

Affirming Texas Governor, Greg Abbott's right to defend the state of Texas from unrestrained illegal immigration.

KS SCR1609

Making application to the Congress of the United States to call a convention of the states to establish term limits for members of Congress.

KS HCR5005

Making application to the Congress of the United States to call a convention of the states to establish term limits for members of Congress.

KS HR6035

Affirming state sovereignty and supporting Texas in its efforts to combat illegal immigration.

KS HCR5008

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call for a convention of the states for the limited purpose of amending the constitution of the United States to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.

KS SCR1607

Making application to the United States congress to call a convention of the states for the purpose of proposing amendments to limit the federal government.

KS SCR1603

Urging the President of the United States to restore energy independence in the United States.

KS HB2294

Increasing the required age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products including electronic cigarettes and establishing unlawful acts under the Kansas cigarette and tobacco products act and penalties for violations thereof.

KS HCR5004

Urging the U.S. Congress to fully fund the federal government's original funding promise under the individuals with disabilities education act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.