Kentucky Immigrants

Some Kentucky lawmakers want to punish companies for hiring illegal immigrants. Under house bill 304, companies would be penalized and illegal immigrants could face felony charges. But at least one undocumented worker and the organization that supports him thinks thats an idea that could hurt everyone. What most Americans see as breaking the law this man sees as a way to support his family. He earns money working in Kentuckys tobacco fields and doing odd jobs. He says he works hard for his family. Staying in the U.S. for them but particularly for his daughter who was born here and who needs care for heart problems. It means being able to make a better life for their children. Sister Fran Wilhelm works at Centro Latino in Owensboro. They see more than 400 immigrants a month. Providing aid and acting as translators when needed. Shes against the Kentucky bill proposed by representative Bob Damron this week. Punishing those who hire undocumented workers and arresting those that possess false documents. Kentucky Democratic Rep. Brent Yonts also thinks the bill is bad idea but for different reasons. "The bill mandates obligations to local governments that are very costly and from that perspective i think its gonna fail." Yonts says the bill get a second hearing next Tuesday before the house judiciary committee. But Wilhelm hopes the U.S. will look at other solutions like work permits. Something she believes is better for both sides. An Indiana senate committee passed a similar immigration bill this week. Senate bill 335- will now move onto the full senate for consideration.