 |
 |
 |
U.S. increasing investigations into undocumented workers
According to a recently released government report, the U.S. has quadrupled the amount of workplace inspections for undocumented workers in a span of two years, AFP reports.
During fiscal 2010, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials conducted a "record" 2,746 workplace enforcement investigations, according to the report, which was submitted to Congress.
In comparison, there were only 503 such inspections during 2008, according to the news provider. The report added that fines for 237 different violations reached nearly $7 million, in comparison to the 18 violations and $675,209 in penalties handed down in 2008.
"ICE is now taking custody of more aliens encountered at the border and is increasing the consequences for illegal entry and reentry," Kumar Kibble, the agency's deputy head, said in the report.
While many states across the country have begun enacting stricter immigration enforcement legislation, foreign nationals still have the opportunity to obtain U.S. green card eligibility through the federal EB-5 visa program. To do so, foreigners must invest $1 million (or in some areas $500,000) in an American project or company that either creates or maintains at least 10 full-time jobs.