Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott is recommending the county step up its fight against illegal workers by participating in the federal IMAGE program.
The program, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers, allows employers and governments, to use government tools to strengthen their hiring and verification policies.
Cobb already participates in the federal E-Verify program, which runs names through a database and checks Social Security numbers and immigration information to make sure a worker is allowed to work in the United States.
The county had incidents last year where illegal workers found to be employed through contractors building the county’s new courthouse.
The IMAGE program includes E-Verify, and would be a tool to ensure that people in Cobb who don’t have jobs can get back to work, Ott said.
In addition to Ott’s plans, other commissioners’ goals included improving the county’s finances, redeveloping the Six Flags area of west Cobb, compiling a formal strategic plan and hiring a full-time veterinarian at the county’s animal shelter.
About the Author
