A Wisconsin Congressman wants to use 21st Century technology to keep illegal immigrants out of the U.S. workforce.
U.S. Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) says the current I-9 system used by employers is too easy to exploit. Under the paper-based identification process, applicants must provide two documents, such as a driver license or social security card, to prove they are legal to work in the country. However, Ryan says many of those documents can be easily forged and frequently are.
Ryan wants the U.S. to adopt a privately operated employment verification system. It would use bio-metric data, such as fingerprints or retinal scans, to make sure a job applicant is who they claim to be. Employers could then use the system to make sure a potential employee is actually who they claim to be and whether they are legal to work in this country.
The bill is in response to another proposed system, which would have the government maintain such a database. Ryan says that could create a "Big Brother" situation where the U.S. Government houses that information, which he feels is unsafe. He prefers to have the private sector managing the data and storing it in de-centralized locations to improve security.
Ryan says it's only a matter of time before new checks are put in place. He says new technology can ensure a legal workforce and protect personal identities.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)
