This year's state legislative sessions have seen a large number of anti-immigrant worker legislative proposals, ranging from state-level employer sanctions bills, legislation requiring employers of immigrants to register and pay fees, taxes for employers of "aliens", proposals to deny workers' compensation to certain immigrants, and proposals requiring state agencies to act as arms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

These proposals are misguided. They will result in increased discrimination against workers who are perceived to be "foreign", drive already vulnerable workers further underground and divert scarce state and local resources away from activities that benefit local communities.

There is a better way: more effective enforcement of labor and employment rights to eliminate exploitation of immigrant workers and unfair competition against good employers. Shutting down the sweatshops will benefit all workers, whether US- or foreign-born, and create a climate of good jobs for all.