Texas' proposal to kick out all illegal immigrants (except the maids)

A Texas Republican wants to fine or even jail anyone who hires an illegal immigrant... unless that illegal immigrant works in your yard or house. Huh?

A proposed Texas immigration bill would potentially impose jail time on anyone who hires an illegal immigrant... unless that illegal immigrants works as domestic help.
(Image credit: Corbis)

Texas is weighing several immigration proposals modeled on Arizona's strict (and controversial) law, but one in particular is drawing nationwide "jest and jeers." A bill from state Rep. Debbie Riddle (R) would fine or jail anyone who employs undocumented immigrants — unless it's to clean the house, mow the lawn, or do other work "performed exclusively or primarily at a single-family residence." Riddle aide Jon English says exempting maids and nannies is a "clumsy" way to keep from "stifling the economic engine" in Texas. So, is that a nod to reality, or a wink to the wealthy?

This is a glaring double standard: Riddle clearly thinks a $10,000 fine and two years in jail would "inconvenience the rich folks," says O. Ricardo Pimentel in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. But "the business guy trying to eke out a profit? Just too bad" for him, and the rest of us. Maybe it's time to "recognize that undocumented workers across the board wouldn't be here if there weren't a demand."

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