R.I. lawmakers delay vote targeting illegal immigrants

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Private employers would be required to verify the legal status of their workers under a bill that Rhode Island lawmakers could consider next week.

A vote on Democratic Rep. Jon Brien's bill was scheduled for Thursday, but it has been pushed back until Tuesday.

His proposal would force private employers to verify the immigration status of prospective employees using a federal database called E-Verify. Companies that refuse could face up to a $5,000 fine.

Brien says making the database mandatory will discourage employers from hiring illegal immigrants. Critics say the system is prone to errors and could disqualify legitimate job seekers.

Last month, Gov. Don Carcieri signed an executive order forcing government agencies and companies doing business with the state to use E-Verify.