Employers brace for immigration rules

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/story/155033.html

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,” said Richard Quandt, president of the Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. “They assume they will receive them again.”

At issue are new responsibilities that businesses would have to assume to verify the legal status of their workers. Failure to do so could subject a business to fines or even criminal charges, should an investigation be done and the firm be found to have knowingly employed workers without legal residency.

For nearly three decades, the Social Security Administration has contacted employees when their name and Social Security number do not match. Employers with more than 10

FULL story at link.