Governor Sanford Urges Senate to Move on Immigration Bill

Columbia, S.C. - April 29, 2008 - Governor Mark Sanford today issued the following statement on the immigration reform bill currently being deliberated on the Senate floor.

"We stand at the verge of a historic moment that would come with the passing of what many believe represents the most comprehensive immigration reform package in the country," Gov. Sanford said. "I'd specifically thank Senator Ritchie for bringing this bill to the floor, and I'd give real credit to Senators Campsen and McConnell for providing continued leadership on this issue since the early days of this debate. We've said from the beginning that real immigration reform must include an electronic worker verification  program, and we'd urge all senators to join Senators Ritchie, McConnell, and Campsen in sending this bill to the House without delay."

Gov. Sanford added, "While giving credit in being this close to the passage of immigration reform in South Carolina, I want to also thank the House of Representatives for the way they've for weeks now called for the inclusion of e-verify - and been part of the push for reform."

E-verify is a free service proven to be far more effective than I-9 and already used in five states - Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri, and neighboring Georgia.