Iowa meat processor gains immigration enforcement certification

Iowa-based sliced meat processor West Liberty Foods LLC has been certified as a partner in the "ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers" program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. IMAGE is a voluntary program that allows private industry to partner with ICE to reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents.

Iowa-based sliced meat processor West Liberty Foods LLC has been certified as a partner in the "ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers" program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

IMAGE is a voluntary program that allows private industry to partner with ICE to reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents. To qualify for IMAGE certification, West Liberty Foods performed the following requirements:

  • Conducted self-assessments of their hiring practices to uncover vulnerabilities that could be exploited by illegal aliens;
  • Enrolled in employment eligibility verification programs, such as E-Verify and the Social Security Number Verification Service;
  • Trained their staff on IMAGE Best Employment Practices and how to use the new screening tools; and
  • Underwent a Form I-9 employment eligibility verification audit conducted by ICE.

“The IMAGE program is the best way we can ensure our team members are eligible for employment,” said Tara Lindsay, vice president of human resources for West Liberty Foods. “This is an innovative program and represents our commitment to be a leader in the area of hiring and employment practices in our industry and in the state of Iowa.”

All IMAGE members must participate in the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. Through this program, employers can verify that newly hired employees are eligible to work in the U.S. This Internet-based system is available throughout the nation and is free to employers. It provides an automated link to the Social Security Administration database and DHS immigration records. 

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