Sioux City Journal

Hold employers accountable, too

Posted: Sunday, May 18, 2008

Illegal immigration is a huge, complex problem for which no one simple solution exists. An emotional, divisive issue, it impacts the nation's economic, social, political and legal systems.

Taking what are essential steps to reduce the number of illegal aliens entering the United States will require not a piecemeal approach, but a comprehensive, bipartisan strategy. Within that plan must be a crackdown - stiff fines, meaningful penalties and, if warranted, criminal charges - against employers who knowingly hire illegals.

Workers alone shouldn't face consequences. Corporate America also must be held accountable.

On Monday, federal immigration agents raided the Agriprocessors Inc. meat-processing plant in Postville, Iowa, arresting nearly 400 men and women. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman on Tuesday called the raid "the largest single-site operation of its kind ever in the United States."

Processing of those who were arrested is under way. Some face only immigration violations, others also face criminal charges, including identity theft and false use of Social Security numbers. Despite the predictable protestations of the ACLU of Iowa, it appears to us as though federal court officials are acting humanely, properly and deliberately, given what must be a complicated situation.

Last week's raid receives no criticism from us. If we aren't going to enforce immigration laws in this country, then what good are they? Still, this investigation must - and, we presume, will - be about more than individual workers.

We do not know if Agriprocessors was knowingly complicit in violating immigration laws. So far, ICE has not said whether company officials will face criminal charges. More will be learned as this story continues to unfold.

If, in the end, federal officials determine the Postville meat processor willfully broke immigration laws, the repercussions should be substantial. That would send a powerful, loud-and-clear message to employers across the nation.

By hiring illegals, businesses not only break the law, but they exploit people in search of better lives for themselves and their families. If the magnet of a job and that better life was not there to pull men and women across our southern border, illegal immigration would be a far lesser challenge.

Story Comments

WhoaThere wrote on May 19, 2008 7:00 PM:

" It seems like an awful lot of people believe that accused are guilty until proven innocent. The media and politicians are already calling for blood based on arrests and accusations - ignoring the fact that the main document making those accusations, the affidavit and search warrant, heavily rely on sources that contradict themselves and each other, and make claims based on hearsay that stretch the limits of belief. Even if the documents all seemed air-tight, what happened to due process? We are already assuming guilt and on to who should pay for the crimes (allegedly) committed. "

Keith wrote on May 18, 2008 9:56 AM:

" While few industries have escaped the many changes of the last 30+ years, the meat packing industry is stuck in the 70's. This applies to their wage structure and their processes. Illegal hiring practices have enabled this as the illegals are unlikely to report violations and injuries. Paying 70's wages has also placed a burden upon our compassionate society that amounts to nothing less than taxpayer subsidies to these business, leaving programs strapped and inviting fraud. This can best be addressed at the source, the employer. Each case should be followed to avoid the "good ol' boy club" method of making fines and penalties go away for these criminal employers. Beating up on the bottom tier of the problem only satisfies some twisted "revenge" motivation and makes us appear as dishonest and racist as the employers. It's past time for this industry to join the current century. "

Joe wrote on May 18, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Private business should not be held accountable for the failures of congress to secure the boarder and create sensible immigration laws. Big government solutions are always the problem. They blame America for creating opportunity. A more sensible plan for immigration would be to adjust the number of temporary work visas to match the demand for low skilled/unskilled jobs created every year by businesses. "