ICE Would be Aggressive in Auditing I-9 Forms and Imposing Civil Fines: Morton
Obama Administration is adopting carrot and stick policy against employers when it comes to implementing immigration laws. The Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) John Morton reiterated in a speech on Tuesday, June 16, in Arlington, Virginia, the administration’s policy of pursuing criminal prosecutions against employers who knowingly hire illegal workers. While cracking down on companies that flout immigration laws, the Obama administration wants to extent simultaneously a hand of friendship to those playing by the rules, according to the newly appointed official in charge of worksite enforcement.
Implementation of controversial electronic employment verification system called E-Verify has become a cause of disagreement between employers and DHS. Many employer groups, including the American Council on International Personnel, have criticized E-Verify, as inaccurate, inefficient and unable to detect identity theft. Morton defended E-Verify, saying that it instantly confirms 97 percent of quires. However, he acknowledged that the 3 percent rejection rate, in addition to the detection of unauthorized workers, could signal problems in system. Morton emphasized that, “The Obama administration is changing the focus of crackdowns to employers rather than illegal workers” and “that ICE would be more aggressive in auditing I-9 immigration forms and imposing civil fines.”
For complete information, please click Worksite Enforcement Official Wants to Work with Employers
