SC senators approve changes to immigration law

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina senators have approved requiring businesses of all sizes to use an online federal program to verify their employees can legally work in the U.S.

The change to the state’s 2008 anti-illegal-immigration law would remove businesses’ ability to check workers by looking at their drivers’ licenses.

The Senate also voted Tuesday to eliminate a system that fines businesses for not checking their workers. The state’s labor agency could instead revoke the operating licenses of businesses that refuse to comply.

The changes are part of a larger bill that requires officers to try to check suspects’ immigration status.

The amended bill now returns to the House. If that chamber agrees with the changes, the bill will go to Gov. Nikki Haley’s desk.