COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The state Transportation Department will begin making sure contractors comply with immigration laws.

The Greenville News reported Aug. 1 the decision came a day after a state senator asked the agency to investigate the immigration status of contactor employees.

Pickens Sen. Larry Martin asked for the investigation after getting complaints from constituents about a company that appeared to employ mostly Hispanics.

Martin said he discussed the issue with Transportation Secretary Buck Limehouse and he agreed to put language in all new contracts requiring companies to make sure they’re following state and federal immigration laws.

A new state law requires all contractors to verify the status of all new employees beginning next year. Martin said there’s no reason to wait.

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