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How can I make sure that a home improvement contractor doesn't use illegal aliens for my job?

I'm getting ready to hire a contractor to do some work on my house. I want to make sure that he only uses a legally documented workforce on my job. What's the best way to ensure that that happens?

Public Comments

1. Ask for green cards!!!
2. Ask the contractor if background checks are done preemployment. I work for a painting contractor and by doing background checks we have discovered some people with fraudulent documents and we did not hire them. It really depends on the contractor though. Anyone can lie.
3. I guess just tell him "look Hose B, I dont want no may he cann owes on this jobsite, savvy?
4. Make it clear to the contractor that you will only accept legal employees and put it in the contract. (FYI, don't mention it until AFTER cost negotiations. By law, the contractor is prohibited from hiring illegals, so HE is the one doing the old switcheroo on YOU if he should insert illegal aliens.) Then check to see if the contractor is listed here: http://wehirealiens.com/ You'd be surprised how many illegal aliens will actually tell you they are illegal if you ask them in a sympathetic way. If one says yes, you have a potential winning lawsuit against the contractor AND have reasonable cause to call DHS and report the contractor. If your state allows (and most do) tuck a tiny taperecorder into your clothing (if you are a woman, a bra works great) to document your discussion with the contractor AND any conversations you might have with the workers.
5. Just ask him and then ask to see their green cards or work permits.