Can You Get In Trouble For Hiring An Illegal Immigrant?

In light of the federal raid on the Palm Springs Baking Company, the question has to be asked, can individual citizens face charges if we hire illegal immigrants to do housework or yardwork or other work commonly done by the undocumented?

Federal law has been clear since the immigration reform act of 1986, it's illegal for anyone to hire an illegal immigrant for any purpose. You also must verify your potential employee's status with documentation such as a drivers license or a greencard.

An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement offcial tells KPSP Local that they direct their resources to major alleged violations such as the Palm Springs Baking Company, so the lilkihood that individual citizens will be prosecuted for hiring day laborers is low.

Also, An important exception to this law occurs where you hire a contractor who employs illegal immigrants to to the job. In that case, only the contractor can face criminal penalties, which can range from a hefty fine to 6 months in jail for every illegal worker hired.
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