IN IMMIGRATION REFORM, ARGUING AGAINST WORKPLACE RAIDS

As Los Angeles Times staff writer Brian Bennett reported, the Obama administration has quadrupled the number of employer audits and fined businesses $6.9 million in fiscal 2010, compared with $675,000 in 2008. Deportations are also up, from 369,221 in 2008 to 392,862 in fiscal 2010. More than 195,000 criminals were deported in 2010, a 70% increase over 2008. These numbers suggest that the administration is not under-enforcing immigration laws, as Republicans claim, but has set reasonable priorities and is pursuing them. 

Some congressional Republicans would like to resume workplace raids as way to find, detain and deport illegal immigrants. I believe that the Obama Administration will continue to go after the employer rather than the illegal employee in the months to come. Workplace raids are costly and have very debatable results. Resuming these raids could also alienate Obama’s support in the Hispanic community. Increasing the number of employer audits, however, is more cost effective. The Administration can reach many more businesses through these audits.

Employers may wish to take notice of this trend. If you have not developed a proper worksite enforcement and corporate compliance program, you should consider contacting an immigration attorney. Given the increases in DHS worksite enforcement efforts, employers should seriously assess their I-9 records and corporate compliance policies.