A national tree services company will have to pay a record fine after admitting that it engaged in a scheme to hire illegal aliens, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
Asplundh Tree Experts Co. will pay $95 million, the largest penalty ever levied in an immigration case. The fine's likely no big deal for a company of its size, although there were three felony convictions arising out of the investigation as well.
Three Asplundh managers, including a vice president, had previous pleaded guilty to felony charges in the case, the AP reported.
Not a huge bite; more like a nip. But the feds will probably be keeping a close eye on these guys, and that alone should cool the company down a bit.
“Our partners at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia are to be commended for their work on this lengthy audit and investigation, spanning 6 years," said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. "Today’s settlement and the compliance agreement makes it clear, that companies must play by the rules and treat everyone fairly.”
“Today marks the end of a lengthy investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations into hiring violations committed by the highest levels of Asplundh’s organization,” said ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan. “Today’s judgment sends a strong, clear message to employers who scheme to hire and retain a workforce of illegal immigrants: we will find you and hold you accountable. Violators who manipulate hiring laws are a pull factor for illegal immigration, and we will continue to take action to remove this magnet.”
