TOP STORY: IMAGE program launches national forum series

Undocumented workers may present false documents or misrepresent themselves as another individual to gain employment. This costs American citizens jobs and places American companies at odds with the legal system.

ICE's Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program helps employers detect the use of fraudulent identity documents, and subsequently, reduce unauthorized employment.

"ICE actively pursues partnership with those employers that want to comply with the employment eligibility verification requirements," said Phillip Warfield, worksite enforcement unit chief. "By partnering with ICE, employers receive invaluable training and the tools necessary to ensure a lawful workforce."

Program membership is voluntary. Currently, ICE has 123 IMAGE members, all of whom are dedicated to the program's mission.

"We take the issue of employment verification very seriously," said Ken Kimbro, Tyson Foods' senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "Tyson has a zero tolerance for employing people who are not authorized to work in the United States. That's why we use all available tools provided by the U.S. government to verify the documents of the people we hire."

ICE recently revamped the IMAGE program, making membership easier than ever. The process is simple. Employers must:

• Complete the IMAGE Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
• Review and sign an official IMAGE partnership agreement with ICE.
• Enroll in the E-Verify program within 60 days of membership.
• Establish a written hiring and employment eligibility verification policy that includes an internal Form I-9 audit at least once a year.
• Submit to a Form I-9 inspection and correct any deficiencies.

This year, IMAGE will host a series of forums across the country. Employers interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend. Learn more about IMAGE.