Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson has proposed an amendment to the federal immigration bill now being debated in Washington. What the amendment would mean is that big box stores that attract undocumented immigrants looking for work, won’t have to provide shelter or a place for workers to gather. The amendment benefits one of Isakson’s campaign contributors, the Atlanta-based home improvement chain Home Depot. And, because Isakson has tacked the amendment onto a federal law, his proposal would override any existing state or local regulation. A spokesperson says Isakson is traveling and unavailable for comment. In Los Angeles, where Home Depot wants to open 13 stores, the city council is considering a law requiring the company to shelter day workers after residents complained the presence of the largely illegal workers are a nuisance. Home Depot did not return calls by the deadline for this story. The company has given Isakson more than 50-thousand dollars over the past three years.
