Feds Get Tough on Employers of Illegals

Immigration officials are set to step up raids on employers across America suspected of hiring illegal immigrants, the New York Times reports.  The tough enforcement action will back up new rules to be announced this week requiring bosses to fire workers who use false Social Security numbers, which are typically ignored by employers.

“We are tough and going to be even tougher,” warned the spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. “There will be serious consequences for those that blatantly disregard the law.”  Agricultural employers who rely on immigrant workers are particularly concerned about the crackdown. "People are scared, holding their breath,"  said a trade organization representative. (More Social Security stories.)