(Utah) State GOP delegates pass resolution to repeal guest worker program

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Source: ABC4.com

In a close vote delegates to Utah's GOP Convention passed a non-binding resolution to appeal controversial House Bill 116. The bill which was signed by Governor Herbert in March is also known as the guest worker program.

HB 116 would allow illegal immigrants to work in the state if they submit to a criminal background check and pay a fine. It is scheduled to go into effect in July 2013, but could go into effect sooner, if the federal government allows it.

The bill is a hotly contested topic among Utah Republicans. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff spoke out in support of the guest worker program, calling it an identity theft weapon. "You need to know and understand that under HB 116, illegal immigrants pay fines, which generate money that goes to me and my criminal aliens task force, where we're arresting the worst of the worst," says Shurtleff.

Utah County Delegate Arturo Morales argued for repealing the guest worker program, stating that it promotes cheap immigrant labor for Utah businesses. "We the people can send a message to let them know in Utah we do business out in the open, and not in secret rooms with secret deals," says Morales.

Read more: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/State-GOP-delegates-pass-resolution-to-repeal/eyAoxIh5eEWx9m6vkSYoDw.cspx