Mohawk settlement could lead to spate of illegal-worker lawsuits
April 23, 2010
By PĂ©ralte C. Paul

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Mohawk Industries’ recent $18 million settlement to end a lawsuit brought by current and former employees accusing it of hiring illegal workers probably will result in similar filings across the country, lawyers say.

Such lawsuits are particularly likely in states with large immigrant populations such as Georgia, where immigration remains a contentious issue, they say.

Labor-intensive industries such as agriculture, poultry processing and manufacturing -- all large parts of Georgia’s economy outside metro Atlanta -- could be the key targets.

“It could bring about more lawsuits in industries that have a lot of illegal workers,â€