Desertdog
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Web site identifies those it claims hire illegal immigrants
By Leslie Berestein
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20051104-9999-1m4wehire.html
A Riverside man has been incurring the ire of businesses he has named on a Web site that purports to out alleged employers of undocumented workers.
Jason Mrochek, a 30-year-old software developer, said he hasn't been sued over his Web site, WeHireAliens.com. The site lists 200-plus companies, some of which are in San Diego County.
On the site, he invites people from around the country to post complaints about specific companies, from large corporations to mom-and-pop businesses. Also posted are addresses, phone numbers, corporate logos and even photographs in some cases.
"We have been dealing with people calling up and saying, 'Why don't you hire al-Qaeda?' All kinds of off-the-wall stuff," said Chris Griffin, president of Unique Landscapes in Mesa, Ariz., whose business card is posted on the site.
Griffin, who believes his business was targeted by the wife of an angry ex-employee, said the company is in compliance with immigration laws. He has consulted an attorney about possible slander and defamation, but said he doesn't plan to sue.
Mrochek, who said he posts only those complaints he deems fairly credible, said the site contains a legal disclaimer. "We cannot independently verify every piece of information provided us, and are not responsible for doing so," it reads, adding that companies listed are only listed as "alleged" violators.
"I am not acting as judge and jury," Mrochek said. "I am providing a forum for people who are not getting their grievances addressed by the federal government."
Immigration experts regularly point to loopholes in federal law that allow employers to hire undocumented workers with little fear of government sanctions, creating a magnet for illegal immigration.
The disclaimer on Mrochek's Web site hasn't been enough to keep at least one listed company from contacting him via legal counsel. Mrochek said he has heard from a Los Angeles law firm representing one of the businesses.
He said he didn't want to identify the business because "I am trying to work with them."
Some businesses had no idea they were listed on the site until contacted by a reporter.
"I had no clue about it until now," said Scott Herman, general manager of the Scripps Ranch Swim and Racquet Club, a recreational club whose logo is posted on the site.
The complaint posted for the club reads that "what appeared to be illegals" had been seen working on property owned by the club.
Herman, who said all of the club's employees are authorized to work in the United States, said he would take the Web site matter up with the nonprofit club's board of directors.
By Leslie Berestein
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20051104-9999-1m4wehire.html
A Riverside man has been incurring the ire of businesses he has named on a Web site that purports to out alleged employers of undocumented workers.
Jason Mrochek, a 30-year-old software developer, said he hasn't been sued over his Web site, WeHireAliens.com. The site lists 200-plus companies, some of which are in San Diego County.
On the site, he invites people from around the country to post complaints about specific companies, from large corporations to mom-and-pop businesses. Also posted are addresses, phone numbers, corporate logos and even photographs in some cases.
"We have been dealing with people calling up and saying, 'Why don't you hire al-Qaeda?' All kinds of off-the-wall stuff," said Chris Griffin, president of Unique Landscapes in Mesa, Ariz., whose business card is posted on the site.
Griffin, who believes his business was targeted by the wife of an angry ex-employee, said the company is in compliance with immigration laws. He has consulted an attorney about possible slander and defamation, but said he doesn't plan to sue.
Mrochek, who said he posts only those complaints he deems fairly credible, said the site contains a legal disclaimer. "We cannot independently verify every piece of information provided us, and are not responsible for doing so," it reads, adding that companies listed are only listed as "alleged" violators.
"I am not acting as judge and jury," Mrochek said. "I am providing a forum for people who are not getting their grievances addressed by the federal government."
Immigration experts regularly point to loopholes in federal law that allow employers to hire undocumented workers with little fear of government sanctions, creating a magnet for illegal immigration.
The disclaimer on Mrochek's Web site hasn't been enough to keep at least one listed company from contacting him via legal counsel. Mrochek said he has heard from a Los Angeles law firm representing one of the businesses.
He said he didn't want to identify the business because "I am trying to work with them."
Some businesses had no idea they were listed on the site until contacted by a reporter.
"I had no clue about it until now," said Scott Herman, general manager of the Scripps Ranch Swim and Racquet Club, a recreational club whose logo is posted on the site.
The complaint posted for the club reads that "what appeared to be illegals" had been seen working on property owned by the club.
Herman, who said all of the club's employees are authorized to work in the United States, said he would take the Web site matter up with the nonprofit club's board of directors.
