Senator Proposes Wage Enforcement Bill Targeting Undocumented Workers

A Massachusetts state senator introduced new legislation last week that would affect a person's right to file a wage enforcement claim against their employer.

The legislation, proposed by Sen. Scott Brown (R-Wrentham), requires any person who wishes to pursue a wage enforcement claim against their employer to provide the Massachusetts Attorney General with documented proof of their citizenship or right to work in the United States.

Under the terms of the bill, if the employee does not provide proof of citizenship or their right to work then they would not be allowed to proceed forward with their case.

Brown said the law was designed to "prevent those who are here illegally from receiving the same benefits as taxpaying Massachusetts citizens."

Brown also said the legislation is targeting employers who intentionally hire illegal immigrants because they can pay them a lower wage.

In addition, the bill prevents employers who have previously been convicted of hiring illegal immigrants from contracting with the state government for five years. The fine for employing an illegal alien would also increase from $200-$500 per worker to $500-$1,000 per worker.

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