April 24, 2009
President Obama’s nominee for Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), John Morton, faced a Senate panel for his confirmation hearing this week. He pledged to continue to prosecute bad-faith employers who hire unauthorized workers. Morton also announced that the Administration intends to eventually make use of the E-Verify, online employment verification program mandatory for all employers.
Although Mr. Morton’s rhetoric is a significant departure from that of the Bush Administration’s focus on prosecuting and deporting unauthorized aliens, it reaffirms the federal government’s intention to continue to scrutinize employers. “We cannot make sustained reductions in illegal immigration without deterring employment of unauthorized labor,” Morton stated. “We need to place renewed focus on employers to ensure that they are playing by the rules.” Mr. Morton also stated his intention to continue to levy civil penalties against employers who violate immigration regulations.
Morton is a career official at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) with lengthy experience in immigration enforcement and criminal prosecution. He currently serves as Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division.
Wednesday’s confirmation hearings demonstrate the seriousness with which the Federal government views worksite enforcement. It is critical for employers to develop I-9 compliance programs and conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
