McCaskill Requests Delay on Myers Vote

Press Release

McCaskill Requests Delay on Myers Vote

Missouri senator awaiting statistics on prosecution of those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill wrote a letter today to Senator Joseph Lieberman, chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, requesting that he delay a committee vote on the re-nomination of Julie Myers to head U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). McCaskill asked that the committee delay until Myers provides statistics on the prosecution of employers who hire illegal immigrants during her tenure running the agency. On Monday, McCaskill asked Myers in a letter to provide the information, which Myers was unable to provide during her confirmation hearing last week.

At the September 12th hearing, Myers said, "I will tell you that this year, so far, we've had over $30 million in criminal fines and forfeitures."

McCaskill questioned, "How many employers does that represent, the $30 million?"

Myers responded, "Senator, I can't tell you that at this time. I'd be happy to get back to you."

McCaskill indicated at the hearing that she would not be able to support Myers until she receives the requested data. McCaskill's staff has been in constant communication with ICE to obtain the promised information; however, ICE staff have indicated that they needed significantly more time to formulate their response.

McCaskill said at the hearing, "prosecutors can prove that an employer knew about a ridiculous Social Security number, that they knew a Social Security number had been used five times by various employees in their facility. Those employers of this country can be deterred, but they are not being deterred now, because I am not convinced, just by virtue of the way you keep statistics, that it's not a serious issue with this department."

McCaskill continued, "I need to know that you all care enough to be able to keep the statistics about how many employers are being held accountable."

McCaskill consistently has argued that immigrants are entering the United States illegally because the feel confident employers will hire them, despite their status as an illegal alien. In fact, in recent years, employers ignoring federal law by hiring illegal immigrants have faced few criminal charges or sanctions.

Specifically, McCaskill has asked for the number of employers who, as a result of ICE's workplace enforcement actions, were arrested in 2007, served jail time in 2007, or were fined in 2007. She also requested similar statistics for the entire Bush Administration.

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