With all levels of government failing to address unemployment among Americans, I was heartened by the city of Lancaster’s recent bold move.

The Lancaster City Council voted to require businesses operating in Lancaster to e-verify employees to obtain a business license. The city took this action to address a whopping 17 percent unemployment rate.

It is felt that the e-verify system, which is provided free of charge by the U.S. government, will open up jobs for American residents.

A byproduct of this move will undoubtedly be the reduction of identity theft/fraud within their city.

In addition, if the state of Arizona is any indication of the ripple effect—Arizona passed an e-verify state law last year—Lancaster will see a public school enrollment reduction and an easing of pressure on hospital emergency rooms.

I want to commend the City Council of Lancaster for their courage, but I’m concerned over where those illegal workers will migrate. I guess my question is: What unemployment rate will the Simi Valley City Council find to be significant before showing like courage.

Just wondering.
Gary Collins
Simi Valley