microMEDIA Imaging Systems, Inc. becomes ICE IMAGE partner

NEW YORK - One of the first document hosting services companies to embrace electronic document imaging is partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to strengthen its hiring practices and help ensure it employs a legal workforce.

microMEDIA Imaging Systems, Inc., based in Lake Success, N.Y., officially became a member of ICE's Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) during a signing ceremony today. IMAGE is a voluntary program that allows private sector businesses to partner with ICE 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.

"microMEDIA's partnership with ICE highlights their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their work force," said James T. Hayes, Jr., special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in New York. "ICE is committed to partnering with industry to maintain impeccable national standards for our workforce."

When a company pursues IMAGE membership, ICE 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 committed to ensuring our workforce is compliant with government regulations," said Joseph Wise, president of microMEDIA Imaging Systems, Inc. "It is an honor to become a member of IMAGE, and further confirm our pledge to the government's hiring and employment practices."

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, ICE 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.

microMEDIA offers its services nationwide and currently employs more than 60 people. It is the third company to join IMAGE in the New York-area.

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/.