June 19, 2008 // Franchising.com // PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.— With the debate about illegal immigration and its impact on America's workforce reaching a tipping point, Labor Finders is joining some states to confirm workers' legal status by using the federal government's E-Verify program.
In Arizona, the Internet-based E-Verify system – operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration – was mandated for use on Jan. 1 as part of the Legal Arizona Workers Act. Currently required under varying guidelines in a small percentage of states, E-Verify has been so well-received in Arizona that Labor Finders, an industrial labor staffing company, is voluntarily mandating its use in its southern California franchise offices.
Labor Finders International President and CEO Jeffrey Burnett is closely monitoring the program to consider rolling it out in other states.
"Having been in the temporary labor staffing industry for more than 20 years, I have long observed the illegal worker debate, and only one thing is certain: There is no easy solution," Burnett stated. "That said, Labor Finders has always taken measures to ensure the legal status of our workers, and the E-Verify program is just another helpful tool to our company and others to maintain a proactive approach."
E-Verify is currently free to employers in all 50 states, and provides an automated link to federal databases to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. For more information about E-Verify, visit www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis and click on the E-Verify logo in the lower left corner.
Under the Legal Arizona Workers Act, all employers operating under a business license issued in the state are now required to comply with the legislation, which seeks to prevent Arizona employers from intentionally hiring and/or employing illegal immigrants. Employers face punishments ranging from mandatory suspension to permanent revocation of their business licenses.
Labor Finders International, a franchise company, is the country's oldest and largest privately held industrial labor staffing company. As Labor Finders approaches the opening of its 300th office, the company is poised to continue with its 33-year tradition of leadership as the country's top name and resource in the business of temporary industrial staffing.
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