Employers brace for immigration rules
Upcoming court decision could lead to detailed, binding program that will verify workers’ employment status or levy penalties
By Ermina Karim

Businesses across San Luis Obispo County are closely watching a federal court decision expected Monday that could lead to greater workplace enforcement of illegal immigration.

The decision involves the legality of a new U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule that focuses on a company’s responsibility in verifying employment eligibility, based on letters that the Social Security Administration sends out.

“The rule has a lot of people fearful because there are many employers on the Central Coast that have received those letters in the past,â€