Utah: Guest worker permits proposed

By The AP
Monday, February 7, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY — Illegal immigrants could apply for permits to work in Utah under a bill proposed in the Legislature.

Republican Rep. Bill Wright of Holden says House Bill 116 helps the state identify illegal immigrants living in Utah and provides a way for those immigrants to continue working in the state.

The permits could not be used as identification to receive government assistance. Permit holders would be required to have basic health insurance or pay their medical bills in full while working in Utah.

Family members of permit holders could apply for a separate permit that allows them to stay in the state without working.

Wright says permits are better for the economy than enforcement-only proposals.

More than a half-dozen immigration bills are currently proposed in the Legislature.