Illustration: wmbfnews.com

The Issue of Undocumented Immigration in Horry County

South Carolina gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has highlighted the problem of undocumented immigration in the state, particularly in Horry County. According to Mace, there are thousands of students in the county for whom English is a second language, indicating a significant presence of illegal immigrants. To address this issue, Mace recently proposed two immigration-related bills, one of which focuses on imposing tougher penalties on South Carolina employers who hire undocumented immigrants.

The Proposed South Carolina Employer Immigration Compliance Act

Mace's proposed legislation, known as the South Carolina Employer Immigration Compliance Act, aims to strengthen existing laws by imposing stricter penalties on employers who hire undocumented workers. The bill suggests a $1,000 per day fine for each undocumented worker employed, starting from the date the employer became aware of the worker's status. Subsequent offenses would result in higher fines and longer license suspensions, with permanent revocation being a possibility for repeat offenders. Additionally, the legislation seeks to claw back state economic development incentives from violators and ban them from receiving state incentives for five years.

Focusing on State Policies and Legislation

Mace's proactive approach to addressing issues such as undocumented immigration sets her apart as a gubernatorial candidate. By personally drafting and proposing legislation, she aims to create tangible solutions to complex problems facing South Carolina. Through her proposed bills, Mace demonstrates her commitment to improving infrastructure, reducing the cost of living, and protecting the interests of South Carolina workers.