In the absence of immigration reform for agriculture, federal authorities are continuing to ramp up pressure on employers. U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement has announced a major new initiative comprised of I-9 employment eligibility form audits nationwide.

ICE began this action by issuing over 650 notices to employers that they will be the target of an audit. This initial round of notices is more than ICE issued for the entirety of 2008.

"This action highlights the need for Congress to take action in support of immigration reform for agriculture," said Kam Quarles, vice president of government relations and legislative affairs. "Employers are seeing unilateral action on enforcement, without addressing our broken system of immigration laws through reforms to ensure that our immigration laws respond to current and future needs."

A full copy of the DHS release can be found here.