Program helps companies avoid hiring illegal immigrants


By ELAINE SILVESTRINI

Published: April 19, 2010

TAMPA - When federal agents asked Tampa Electric Co. to sign up for a program that helps companies ensure they're not hiring illegal immigrants, one TECO manager hesitated.

"It's a voluntary program," said Jeannie McCall, recruitment and staffing manager. "As a company, you're thinking, 'Why do I need to volunteer for something that the government audits on?' It's, 'We're the government, trust us.'"

The idea was a little unsettling, McCall said.

But six months after the company was approached, after seeking input from managers in different parts of the company and hearing more information, TECO "came to a conclusion that it would be a positive thing for us to do," McCall said. The company signed up for the IMAGE program administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

After more than a year of training and records review, TECO, with nearly 3,000 employees, recently became the first Tampa employer to become certified by IMAGE, according to Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of the Tampa ICE office.

McCormick said the utility company is an important addition to the program because it is part of the area's critical infrastructure, which could be targeted by terrorists. Keeping the wrong people from having access to TECO facilities is crucial.

McCall is glad TECO joined the program.

"I didn't expect we had any illegal aliens on our payroll," she said. "But it's kind of nice to know we don't."

Soon after TECO became part of the program, a Tampa bank with about 300 employees and eight branches also was certified. McCormick said the bank has not consented to being identified publicly.

"It's not an easy process because everybody's skeptical of the government," she said. "The government intimidates people. …Once you get through that hurdle of, 'Oh my God, the government's offering something,' you'll find it's a good win-win."

The Tampa ICE office, which covers 58 of the state's 67 counties, has certified seven companies totaling about 6,600 employees. The agent who administers the program, David Younanof, has invited 700 companies to join since January 2009.

Seven companies have signed agreements to begin the certification process; a hotel and another Tampa company are among the five to sign this year.

"We lead the nation in executed agreements this year," McCormick said.

To participate, employers must agree to submit to an audit of the paperwork all employees complete to prove they're legally permitted to work, a form called the I-9.

For TECO, this meant Younanof had to inspect paperwork for all of its employees. Some clerical errors were found – an employee signed on the wrong line, for instance – and all were corrected, McCall said.

Participants agree to use E-Verify, a government computer system that checks whether potential employees are authorized to work. Companies also must establish an internal training program covering topics such as I-9s, fraudulent identity documents and E-Verify procedures.

"They do an excellent job covering (how to identify) fraudulent documents," McCall said. "That was something I hadn't seen before."

Companies also must undergo a semiannual I-9 audit by a neutral party and establish a self-reporting procedure to inform ICE of violations or deficiencies.

In return, they receive training on how to complete their employee paperwork, identify fraudulent documents, and use E-Verify and other homeland security computer systems.

Companies also get a "safe harbor" protection, meaning they are given two years to correct any employee-paperwork problems found by a government audit. They receive instructions on how to fix any issues.

Participation in the program reduces the possibility that agents will raid the company looking for unauthorized workers.

"We emphasize cooperation," McCormick said. "As long as you're working with us, you're fine."

Companies interested in the program can call the Tampa ICE office at (813) 357-7000 or go to www.ice.gov.


http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/apr/19 ... -breaking/