Sat Jan 10 16:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Mace Proposes Tougher Penalties for Employers Hiring Undocumented Immigrants in South Carolina

The Story: U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican gubernatorial candidate for South Carolina, has unveiled a bill targeting employers who hire undocumented immigrants. Speaking in Myrtle Beach on Friday, January 17, 2026, Mace proposed the “South Carolina Employer Immigration Compliance Act,” which aims to strengthen existing E-Verify laws by imposing significant financial penalties and license suspensions on businesses that violate the law. Mace emphasized the need to protect South Carolina workers from unfair wage competition and highlighted the importance of Horry County as a key area for her campaign.

Key Points:
* Nancy Mace introduced the “South Carolina Employer Immigration Compliance Act” in Myrtle Beach.
* The bill proposes a $1,000 per day fine for each undocumented worker employed, escalating to $5,000 for a second offense and $10,000 for a third.
* License suspension penalties would increase to 30-90 days for first offenses, 90-180 days for second offenses, and permanent revocation for third offenses.
* Violators would lose state economic development incentives, tax credits, grants, and abatements and be banned from receiving such incentives for five years.
* The bill establishes a citizen complaint hotline and mandates at least 500 random employer audits per year in high-risk industries.
* Mace emphasized the need to strengthen the existing 2012 E-Verify law, which she believes lacks sufficient enforcement mechanisms.
* Mace described Horry County as “Trump country” and an important part of her campaign strategy.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of Mace’s proposal, shortly after announcing her gubernatorial run in August 2025, and her focus on Horry County, a known conservative stronghold, suggests a strategic effort to appeal to a specific segment of the South Carolina electorate. The emphasis on undocumented immigration and its perceived impact on local wages aligns with common Republican talking points and is likely designed to energize her base. The historical context shows that just a week prior, Mace proposed a similar act, demonstrating her commitment to this issue as a central platform of her campaign.

Key Takeaways:
* Mace is prioritizing immigration enforcement as a key issue in her gubernatorial campaign.
* Her proposed legislation aims to significantly increase penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers in South Carolina.
* The focus on Horry County signals a targeted effort to mobilize conservative voters.
* The proposed legislation underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policy and its economic impact at the state level.
* Mace is positioning herself as a policy-driven candidate who is actively addressing the concerns of South Carolina voters.

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