Congressman Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) has announced plans to introduce an immigration bill to require employers to verify their workers are legally residing in the U.S. The bill currently has 75 co-sponsors including both Democrats and Republicans in the house. "This legislation represents a common sense answer to the immigration problem facing our nation." Shuler said.

The bill has additional provisions for 8,000 border agents and workplace enforcement of immigration laws. The Center for Immigration Studies in Washington identifies the Shuler bill as one of the most extensive enforcement bills yet introduced in Congress.

11^th District Congressional Candidate Carl Mumpower (R-Asheville) lauded Shuler for taking this "courageous" step. "Employers provide the money and jobs that attract illegal immigrants - this is where real solutions to an out of control immigration reality must begin, Mumpower said. "We are observers to the greatest law breaking scheme in America's history, and Congressman Shuler is to be commended for developing an action plan that is simple and realistic."