Headline Says it All: “Cleaning Firm Used Illegal Workers at Chertoff Home”

We have often seen how immigration is a world filled with contradictions.  The headline indeed says it all in connection with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff.  DHS, of course, is entrusted with immigration enforcement.  To read the Washington Post story, click here.

UPDATE:  I received this e-mail message after the posting earlier today: 

“The Department of Homeland Security saw that you were covering today’s Washington Post story about Secretary Chertoff’s employment of a cleaning service that hired illegal immigrants. The DHS Press Office would appreciate it if you would consider including the response of DHS spokesman Russ Knocke in your coverage:

`Every contractor in the United States has the responsibility of ensuring their workers are legal. As customers, the Chertoffs obtained assurances from Mr. Reid that any personnel he dispatched to their home were authorized to work in the United States.

As soon as the Chertoffs learned that Mr. Reid deceived them by employing some unauthorized workers, they fired him. Further, Secretary Chertoff recused himself from any involvement in immigration enforcement actions that could follow.

The United States Secret Service maintains a round the clock security presence at the residences of protectees, and screens individuals who enter a residence or have business to conduct on the property.

This matter illustrates the need for comprehensive immigration reform, and the importance of effective tools for companies to determine the lawful status of their workforce.

More 91,000 employers have enrolled in E-verify, and there were more than 6.6 million workers checked last year. E-verify is free, fast and available online for employers. It is unfortunate that Mr. Reid did not acknowledge his own personal responsibility and check the eligibility of his work force.'”

KJ