U.S. Steps Up Illegal-Labor Hunt

Stepping up its campaign against businesses that hire illegal workers, the Obama administration on Wednesday notified 1,000 companies that their hiring records will be under investigation. The new wave of inspections brings the total of audited companies to 2,338 since October 1, already surpassing last year’s count. The businesses run the gamut in size and location—every state will be affected—and are in areas defined as critical infrastructure and key resources. So far this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued $7.1 million in fines for immigration-law violations.