U.S. Businesses Complain Over E-Verify's Lack Of Protection For Employers

August 28, 2008 9:07 a.m. EST

Laurel, MS (AHN) - Despite its enrollment with E-Verify, Howards Industries was raided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Monday, highlighting the lack of protection the program offers American employers.

U.S. employers said the E-Verify is a double-bladed sword for American firms who hire migrant workers as they risk being raided if they do not sign up, but will have to shoulder extra cost, face labor stoppages and discrimination complaints if they do.

Many of the 600 arrested illegal migrant workers had valid Social Security numbers, but apparently the digits were not theirs. E-Verify could not detect if the number used by a worker is his or another person's.

The 600 came from eight nations, namely Mexico, Guatemala, Germany, Peru, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama. Of the 600 arrested, 475 were sent to a detention center in Jena, Louisiana, 106 were released for humanitarian reasons, nine juveniles moved to a refugee resettlement agency and eight will be charged with identity theft.

Most of the migrant workers sought a public attorney since they have very little money with declared monthly salaries ranging from $1,200 to $1,800.

An ICE spokeswoman clarified the probe on illegal migrant workers started two year ago before Howard signed up for E-Verify.

Howard, in a statement, said, "Howard Industries runs every check allowed to ascertain the immigration status of all applicants for jobs. It is company policy that it hires only U.S. citizens and legal immigrants."