Given pre-election rhetoric, followed by the overwhelming plurality and control of Congress, it is apparent that the incoming Administration will initiate a program of deportation of non-eligible and illegal workers. The appointment of Tom Homan, a hard line official to implement a phased deportation program should encourage action by employers to ensure compliance with rules on eligibility for employment.
After the initial roundup of illegal immigrants with criminal records, raids will be conducted on packing and processing plants and agricultural production facilities.
It would be prudent for employers to review the immigration status of all employees and to verify visa status, ensuring that E-Verify compliance is documented.
In the current political climate, ICE raids resulting in detention of employees will detract from company image among consumers and customers in addition to disruption of operations.