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

New legislation aims to claw back federal funding to colleges and universities if they hire illegal immigrants, which is taking aim as a push in the University of California system.

"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. Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand 

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.