Riding Fence on Immigration, Cannon Wants to Phase In E-Verify

Confirming suspicions that he will try to derail, or at least dilute, immigration legislation this session, House Speaker Dean Cannon doused his chamber's E-Verify bill on Monday.

The Winter Park Republican said the measure will require the public sector to use the federal database to screen new hires, and then phase in usage for private-sector employers.

"Employers with 100 or more employees come on line July 1, 2012 -- all others on July 1, 2013," said Cannon spokeswoman Katie Betta.

The House's pending billl, sponsored by Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Port St. Lucie, does not make a distinction between employers and would have taken effect immediately.

Cannon's public-sector call appears to be redundant since Gov. Rick Scott already ordered government agencies to use E-Verify.

Phasing in implementation may placate smaller businesses, but the chamber of commerce has declared its wholesale opposition to E-Verify -- which means that Cannon's attempt at compromise may not please anyone.

George Fuller, an immigration enforcement advocate in Sarasota, was not impressed.

"[Cannon and Senate President Mike Haridopolos] say creating jobs is [their] No. 1 priority, but fail to say if they are jobs for legal workers, illegal workers or they really don't care."