GOP senator threatens 'real consequences' if universities hire illegal immigrants

"American jobs belong to Americans. Those who unlawfully hire illegal aliens undermine our workers and drive down wages. This commonsense bill finally adds real consequences to existing law and will help ensure taxpayer dollars don't support colleges and universities that hire those in our country illegally," Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., said about the bill he is sponsoring.

The legislation would require universities that receive federal funding to participate in the E-Verify program to ensure the legal status of employees. Additionally, it would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1986 to condition federal aid based on how the institution follows the law.

"Colleges and universities that knowingly hire illegal immigrants have no business receiving taxpayer money," Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., said in a statement. "The College Employment Accountability Act puts an end to this abuse by requiring schools to follow the law or lose access to federal funds. If an institution can't be bothered to verify the immigration status of its employees as is legally required, it shouldn't receive the support of American tax dollars."

The proposal is not the first time the GOP senator has cracked down on which universities receive federal funds. Banks recently introduced legislation that would pull funding from schools that do not properly address encampments, which were a popular method of protest as a wave of anti-Israel demonstrations hit college campuses last year.