ICE auditing companies' hiring records

By KATE BRUMBACK
Associated Press
Published: Wednesday, Jun. 15, 2011 - 9:35 am

ATLANTA -- Federal immigration authorities are beginning a new round of investigations designed to make sure businesses hire only people authorized to work in the U.S.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Wednesday it is notifying 1,000 companies that it will inspect the forms new employees complete and documents they provide to show they are eligible to work in the U.S.

ICE declined to name the businesses but says this round of audits focuses on critical infrastructure and key resources. That includes companies involved in national security and other government functions.

The Obama administration has made cracking down on employers a key part of its immigration enforcement policy. It has emphasized employer audits more than the high-profile workplace raids done during the Bush administration.

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/15/370279 ... iring.html