The Rev. Santos Escobar and daughter Emma, originally from El Salvador, attend a Senate Labor Committee hearing yesterday on employment and immigration status.

The providence Journal Connie Grosch

PROVIDENCE — The state police will not conduct dragnets to ask drivers about their immigration status, nor will they conduct “any out-of-the-ordinary raids or operations” in search of illegal immigrants as a result of Governor Carcieri’s recent executive order, according to a list of “frequently asked questions” the governor posted on his Web site yesterday.

The document, available in English and Spanish, is accessible at www.governor.ri.gov.

The 26 questions focus on two components of the order: a mandate to grant state law enforcement personnel the power to enforce some federal immigration laws, and a requirement that would mandate screening of newly hired executive branch employees and employees of private vendors doing business with the state, through an E-Verify electronic data base. The screening through that pilot program would confirm whether they are legally authorized to work in the country.

Carcieri also announced he would be taping an interview today with Bill O’Reilly of the Fox network’s O’Reilly Factor; the interview is expected to air tonight at 8 and 11. The taping is scheduled for 5:15 at Nicholson House at Brown University.

Meanwhile, the Senate Labor Committee yesterday concluded a hearing on a bill — S2091 — that would mandate use of that same E-Verify pilot program for all non-government employers with three or more employees. Local clergy first led a short prayer session outside the hearing room doors.

Gregory Pehrson, of Fuerza Laboral, was among those who spoke against the bill.

His organization strives to make “unscrupulous employers accountable,” Pehrson said, “but in the same way that unscrupulous employers fail to use the current I-9 Form for verifying work eligibility, they will also avoid compliance with E-Verify, thereby putting further strain on small, good-faith employers while doing nothing to hinder rogue businesses.”

Josephine Simeone spoke on behalf of the bill. Describing herself as “a little old grandmother” who is “not affiliated with any group,” Simeone called the legislation “a first step in the right direction.” She said, “The vast majority of Rhode Islanders are in favor of this,” and told senators, “I hope you have the fortitude and courage to pass this, for all the citizens of Rhode Island.”

Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said the governor’s staff began drawing up the list of questions “to address some of the questions being asked and some of the concerns being raised after Carcieri issued his order. The order prompted numerous public protests, including by clergy. Neal said the governor’s office also received “a large initial wave of calls, the vast majority of which were supportive.”

The executive order has not yet gone into effect. Neal said the state police and the Department of Corrections are waiting to enter agreements with the federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

kziner@projo.com