"New Jersey Jobs Protection Act;" requires verification of employment.
The bill introduces a graduated penalty system for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. The first violation incurs a $10,000 fine per unauthorized alien, alongside a three-year probation during which the employer must submit quarterly reports. Repeat offenses accumulate higher fines, escalating to $30,000 for the third violation. Such measures aim to deter illegal employment practices and encourage compliance with employment eligibility verification, while also addressing the declining unemployment insurance fund in the state.
Senate Bill 647, known as the 'New Jersey Jobs Protection Act,' mandates that all employers in New Jersey utilize the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of their new hires. This requirement aims to combat the employment of unauthorized aliens, particularly in the context of economic concerns regarding job losses and unemployment rates in the state. The legislation recognizes a significant number of unauthorized aliens working in New Jersey, which it argues creates unfair competition for legal residents, thereby exacerbating the state's economic woes.
While the bill seeks to hold employers accountable for hiring unauthorized stakeholders and protect job opportunities for legal residents, it has stirred debate among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the measures are necessary to reinforce the rule of law and ensure fair employment practices. In contrast, some critics raise concerns about the potential adverse impacts on New Jersey's workforce, particularly regarding the treatment and rights of vulnerable worker populations who may end up in legal limbo. Furthermore, the enforcement of stringent penalties could lead to labor shortages in certain industries reliant on immigrant labor, raising questions about economic repercussions.