WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announces the release of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) highlighting the benefits of the IMAGE (ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers) Program. IMAGE Charter Member Staff Management | SMX is featured in the PSA which will be used to familiarize companies with the benefits of the IMAGE program.
IMAGE was created in 2006 as a joint initiative between the government and private sector to build cooperative relationships that strengthen hiring practices and encourage employer compliance. In 2011, ICE revamped IMAGE, simplifying program requirements and the participation process, and launched a series of educational forums across the country to introduce employers to the program. Loree Lynch, Staff Management | SMX Co-Founder and Vice President, spoke about the company’s experience with IMAGE at a forum held by ICE in Chicago in June. As a result, Beth Gibson, Assistant Deputy Director of ICE, asked Staff Management to participate in a PSA to share the benefits of IMAGE involvement with a wider audience.
“ICE values our IMAGE charter members like Staff Management and this company’s commitment to providing their clients with lawful workforces.” said IMAGE Unit Chief Adam Wilson. “We hope Staff Management’s participation in IMAGE will inspire other companies to follow their example.”
“We are committed to protecting our clients’ brands through best-practices in compliance management,” said Lynch. “IMAGE membership provides another layer of protection to our clients through our risk mitigation strategy and third party validation that we follow best-in-class operating procedures in the area of workforce authorization. We thought it was important to share our positive experience with IMAGE in the new PSA now that the program requirements have been streamlined to make it easier for more employers to adopt the IMAGE Best Employment Practices and further drive compliance.”
IMAGE now offers a formal membership certification program that focuses on exceptional employers that have the ability to effect change within their industry or region. These employers also serve as an example and role model in the business community while highlighting the importance and viability of immigration compliance. Program participants will be deemed IMAGE certified upon enrollment and completion of IMAGE membership requirements. Employer feedback on the IMAGE program and industry participation in IMAGE will serve to guide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in shaping future worksite enforcement policy. Employers interested in learning more about IMAGE can attend upcoming informational forums which will be held in cities across the country.
To learn more about the IMAGE program please visit www.ice.gov/image/. To view the new Staff Management | SMX Public Service Announcement please http://www.ice.gov/image/videos.htm.
About ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.
About Staff Management | SMX
Founded in 1988, Staff Management | SMX is the pioneer of high-volume Vendor on Premise (VOP) staffing solutions and is ranked the #1 Managed Service Provider (MSP) worldwide by staffing buyers on HRO Today’s Baker’s Dozen for MSP providers. Staff Management solutions provide best talent, drive compliance, yield tangible savings and build sustainable value. A Staffing Industry Analysts’ Top Ranked Staffing Provider, Staff Management is ranked one of America’s Top Job Creators on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000. In 2006, Staff Management earned charter membership in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement IMAGE Program and in 2011 achieved Workers’ Compensation Risk Certification. Visit www.staffmanagement.com or call 1.800.746.9462 or more information.
For More Information:
Gillian M. Christensen
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
202.732.4217
gillian.christensen@dhs.gov