Government Senators yesterday urged the public to report Immigration violations.“The Government is committed to protecting the employment rights of Bermudians. Period,” said Senator David Burt.“If there is a member of the public that feels that they have been wronged by Immigration policy, that they have been given less preferential treatment than a guest worker, if they feel as though they have been displaced for whatever reason inside the workforce in an unfair fashion, I would actually implore them to make sure they report it.Department of Immigration and the Enforcement officers cannot be everywhere,” said Senator David Burt.He reminded the public of the Immigration hotline number - 296 5202.“It is important that if they see, if they suspect, they know, a violation is happening - people working outside their responsibilities, employers who may not be giving employment opportunities to Bermudians, I would implore them to please make sure they contact.”He stressed that in order for an investigation to take place a report must be made.“Bermudians have first preference to all employment opportunities and we are asking for the public’s assistance.”Senator Kim Wilson endorsed Sen Burt’s remarks and stressed Government’s priority to create jobs.“Government has taken a number of steps to provide for job creation and job retention,” she said.She said that Government recognised the need for migrant workers but Bermudians must be employed first.And she estimated that some 20 percent of employers tried to circumvent Immigration laws.But she said there was a tendency to complain about Immigration infractions and not report them.“We need to encourage them to call that Immigration hotline and report it and if it is found there is an infraction there are penalties which will be enforced.”Sen Michael Fahy of the One Bermuda Alliance later told The Royal Gazette that, while he agreed on the importance of reporting immigration violations, it was also important to ensure that political leaders do not encourage xenophobia.“We’ve seen the graffitti on the walls. We’ve seen remarks being made to people. I witnessed it myself - Filipinos being chastised by Bermudians saying ‘you’ve stolen my job, get out of my country’,’ he said.“We need to make sure that whilst we’re making sure Bermudians are employed we’re also keeping the community welcomed to guest workers which obviously helps drive the economy.“So I think we have a responsibility as legislators to say that and get that out there, and encourage people to just lower the tone a bit.“People do what they can to employ Bermudians but also welcome those that are already here.”