The council’s action stems from new state legislation barring cities from requiring businesses to use the federally run E-Verify system to ensure employees are legally able to work in the United States.
Seeking to defy Sacramento while respecting state law, Temecula’s City Council is keeping the city’s E-Verify ordinance on the books but telling city officials not to enforce it.
The council’s action stems from new state legislation barring cities from requiring businesses to use the federally run E-Verify system to ensure employees are legally able to work in the United States. The Internet-based system allows employers to check workers’ information against immigration and Social Security records.
The state law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, nullifies an ordinance passed by the council in July 2010 that required city business license applicants to run E-Verify checks on new hires.
Officials from the governor’s and attorney general’s office could not be reached Tuesday to comment on Temecula’s approach.
The council’s 5-0 vote last week allowed an emotional public hearing — demonstrations for and against E-Verify took place beforehand — that injected the national immigration debate into the council chambers.
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