U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar told a meeting of Texas businessmen that the state legislature needs to stay away from enacting immigration law.

"When it comes to immigration reform, they have to be a little more careful," he said.

"That's the federal government's domain. If the state gets involved, you're liable to have a patchwork of laws."

Cuellar, D-Laredo, cited an attempt two years ago by Republican state representatives to impose a system of fines and other punishments for employers who hire illegal immigrants. That effort never got to a general floor vote, said former state Rep. Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business.

Other states, like Arizona and Oklahoma, have passed similar laws.