Fair Immigration Enforcement and Employer Accountability
The Fair Immigration Enforcement and Employer Accountability Act shifts immigration enforcement toward employer accountability by penalizing knowing violations of employment eligibility laws, strengthening wage theft enforcement, and protecting workers from retaliation. By focusing on lawful hiring and fair labor practices, the Act promotes fair competition and reduces exploitation without targeting workers themselves. Coordinated oversight ensures consistent enforcement and accountability.
Key Provisions
Employer Accountability. Penalizes knowing violations.
Wage Theft Recovery. Strengthens enforcement.
Worker Protections. Prohibits retaliation.
Interagency Coordination. Aligns oversight efforts.
Model Language
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to promote lawful employment practices, protect workers from exploitation, and ensure fair competition by holding employers accountable for knowing violations of employment and labor laws.
Section 2. Definitions.
(a) “Employer” means any individual or entity that employs one or more workers.
(b) “Knowing violation” means conduct undertaken with actual knowledge or reckless disregard of employment eligibility or wage laws.
(c) “Wage theft” includes failure to pay wages, overtime, or benefits required by law.
Section 3. Employer Accountability Standards.
(a) Employers who knowingly violate employment eligibility requirements shall be subject to enhanced civil penalties.
(b) Repeat violations within a specified period may result in license suspension or revocation.
Section 4. Wage Theft Enforcement.
(a) The labor agency shall prioritize investigation of wage theft associated with unlawful employment practices.
(b) Employers found liable shall be required to pay unpaid wages, damages, and penalties.
Section 5. Worker Protections.
(a) Retaliation against workers who report violations is prohibited.
(b) Workers cooperating with investigations shall not be penalized under this Act.
Section 6. Interagency Coordination. Labor, licensing, and enforcement agencies shall coordinate data sharing and enforcement strategies.
Section 7. Reporting. The administering agency shall publish an annual report summarizing enforcement actions and outcomes.