DHS Announces Expanded List of STEM Degree Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) designated-degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. This announcement builds on a series of administrative reforms designed to further the Department’s commitment to attracting international students. “Attracting the […]

Houston-based company admits to hiring illegal aliens and agrees to forfeit $2 million

Houston-based company has agreed to adhere to revised immigration compliance procedures and to pay $2 million as forfeited funds to the Department of Homeland Security related to revenue derived from the employment of illegal aliens. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas, along with Robert Rutt, special agent in […]

Ohio company partners with ICE to ensure workforce compliance

A leading Ohio meat supplier has partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by joining the agency’s employment compliance program IMAGE, or “ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers.” The company which employs more than 2,000 people in northern Ohio has entered into an agreement with ICE to protect the integrity of their workforce, […]

Washington based herb grower fined $1 million for knowingly employing illegal aliens

A Washington-based supplier of fresh organic herbs to nearly 2,700 grocers was sentenced Tuesday to $1 million in criminal fines and probation for hiring illegal aliens in a case spurred by a tip to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In a plea agreement, the organization and three top executives admitted […]

Justice Department Settles Document Abuse Claim against a School in Ohio

The Justice Department announced today that it reached an agreement with a school in Ohio resolving allegations that the company discriminated under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, when it fired an employee at division in Ohio, in connection with a “reverification” of his employment eligibility. In a complaint filed with the […]

Colorado-based Restaurant Fined for Missing I-9

Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer recently upheld fine that was imposed on a Colorado based restaurant for failing to prepare or present a Form I-9 upon request.  The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE or the government) filed a one count complaint against the firm for incomplete or missing I-9s. […]

4 Arrested for Employing Illegal Aliens in Mississippi

The owner and three managers of three local restaurants are facing federal charges related to the conspiracy to knowingly employ illegal aliens and to harbor them from authorities following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Federal special agents arrested the owner and three managers via criminal complaint and […]

Justice Department Settles Document Abuse Claim against Department Store in California

The Justice Department announced today that it reached an agreement with a California based store, resolving allegations that the company had engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on citizenship status while verifying employment eligibility.  The department also alleged that the store discriminated against a work-authorized individual when it refused to honor a […]