More than two years after the 7Eleven wages fraud scandal broke in Australia, the United States is undergoing a similar experience. From The Brisbane Times:
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at dozens of 7-Eleven stores across the US before dawn on Wednesday to interview employees and deliver audit notifications…
ICE said its agents targeted 98 stores and made 21 arrests, describing the operation as a warning to other companies who may have unauthorised workers on their payroll.
“Today’s actions send a strong message to US businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable,” said Thomas Homan, the agency’s top official, in a statement.
“Businesses that hire illegal workers are a pull factor for illegal immigration and we are working hard to remove this magnet,” Homan’s statement said. “ICE will continue its efforts to protect jobs for American workers by eliminating unfair competitive advantages for companies that exploit illegal immigration.”
Trump has long pledged to crack down on businesses that hire undocumented workers and increase deportations…
ICE described Wednesday’s operation as a follow-up effort to ensure that 7-Eleven is in compliance with hiring laws…
History never repeats but it sure does rhyme.
