[AppleButter]

Employers currently are under no obligation to respond to these “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration; there are no criminal or administrative penalties. But if the new regulations are enacted, companies would be liable for having “constructive knowledge” of hiring undocumented immigrants – if they were to be audited.

It was my understanding that in the past, the problem was not that employers didn't reply to the letters. It was that Congress wouldn't allow SSA to send the letters out in the first place. (Maybe I'm wrong - that's how I heard it.)

[butternut_squash_bisque]

In 16yrs of my seasonal business' operation, hiring up to 25 workers each spring, I've never had a 'no match' letter come back from the SSA. I'm very careful to vet all workers. Many in this area, aren't, and the ilegals can be spotted working on the crews, very easily.

[Lucky9teen]

The federal government is considering new rules that would toughen laws against companies hiring undocumented immigrants.

They may be "considering" new rules, but the question remains, will they enforce them?

[bjcintennessee]

I thought we already had a law that makes aiding & abetting illegal aliens a felony. (I had the law saved for easy access, but my puter crashed and I lost it).

[GeronL]

Social Security Admin has already admitted they don't tell companies if they have hired illegals because they don't want them to fire the poor people