AM and G Waterproofing becomes IMAGE partner

NEW YORK — A company that has been restoring New York City properties since 1980 is partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). AM&G Waterproofing LLC, based in Brooklyn, officially became a member of ICE's Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program during a signing ceremony today.

AM&G Waterproofing is strengthening its hiring practices to ensure it is employing a legal workforce. IMAGE is a voluntary program that allows private sector businesses to partner with the agency to reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents. As a result, a participating employer is able to maintain a more secure, stable workforce.

"HSI recognizes that the highest level of workforce integrity can only be achieved through close coordination with industry partners," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. "AM&G will join hundreds of IMAGE business participants throughout the United States who are committed to maintaining a lawful work force."

When a company pursues IMAGE membership, the agency provides education and training on proper hiring procedures, including employment screening tools such as E-Verify and the Social Security Number Verification Services. The company also undergoes an audit of its I-9 forms to ensure current employees are eligible to work in the United States.

"We are delighted to be partnered with the Department of Homeland Security. Through this partnership we let all New York know that we are committed to hiring only qualified employees who meet all the legal requirements to work in our great country," said Thomas Hussey, chief financial officer of AM&G Waterproofing LLC. "Construction in New York is filled with many risks; this program helps us eliminate one of them."

The E-Verify program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, allows businesses to verify that newly hired employees are eligible to work in the United States. This web-based program, available in all 50 states at no cost to employers, provides an automated link to the Social Security Administration database and Department of Homeland Security immigration records.

Under IMAGE, which was initiated in 2006, the agency partners with employers in a wide range of industries, including employment services, aviation, transportation, construction, high technology, shipping and manufacturing. Currently, more than 100 businesses nationwide are IMAGE members.

AM&G has completed hundreds of restoration contracts for co-op boards, engineers, architects, building managers and private owners, and currently employs more than 320 people. It is the seventh company to join IMAGE in Metro New York.

Employers interested in learning more about IMAGE membership may contact the local IMAGE coordinator by calling (212) 264-3706 or by visiting www.ice.gov/image/.