Huntsville technology company becomes IMAGE member

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville-based System Dynamics International (SDI), which provides high technology engineering services to American and Australian militaries, became the latest employer to be certified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) employment compliance program called IMAGE at a ceremony Monday.

IMAGE stands for ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers. As part of this agreement, SDI has pledged to maintain a secure and stable workforce and curtail the employment of unauthorized workers through outreach and education. To qualify for IMAGE certification, companies must perform the following requirements:

• Enroll in the E-Verify program within 60 days,
• Establish a written hiring and employment eligibility verification policy that includes internal Form I-9 audits at least once per year and
• Submit to a Form I-9 inspection.

"With this certification, SDI makes a strong statement in supporting federal hiring laws," said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. "We want to thank SDI for helping reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents."

Parmer oversees a five-state region for HSI New Orleans, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

SDI employs approximately 74 people with offices in Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Arizona, Texas and Queensland, Australia. SDI focuses on aviation, missile and UAV/UAS systems and operations. Through research, development and business process analysis, SDI assists its customers in making smart advanced weapons systems program decisions.

"SDI is proud to be the first high-tech company in North Alabama to meet the requirements to be part of the IMAGE program," said Pamela Barratt White, SDI’s chief executive officer. "IMAGE is a win-win for both Homeland Security and government contractors. Our high-tech resources and information are extremely attractive to the wrong people. IMAGE is a great, efficient verification method to help us ensure we are hiring the right people."

SDI is the first employer in northern Alabama, and the third in the state, to become a full IMAGE partner. There are more than 250 IMAGE partners throughout the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) E-Verify employment eligibility verification program enables employers to verify that newly hired employees are eligible to work in the United States. This Internet-based system is available throughout the nation and is free to employers. It provides an automated link to the Social Security Administration database and DHS immigration records.

Companies interested in more information about the IMAGE program can call 813-357-7137 or visit ICE.gov/image.