I employ a hardworking, polite, dependable housecleaner and his female helper on a bi-weekly basis. He speaks broken English, appears to be of Spanish descent, and asks to be paid by check made out to "cash." There is a small possibility that he is in this country illegally, but I don't know where to start to find out except by asking him. I would prefer not to "scare him off" or offend him with such an emotionally-charged question - and simply have him find some other person in the community to work for illegally. He seems like the kind of person who would pursue the right course toward citizenship (or already be on it) if motivated. Can I get some recommendations here?

The Falcon