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About the IMAGE Program

Undocumented workers secure jobs through fraudulent means such as presenting false documents, completing fraudulent benefit applications and stealing someone’s identity. To combat unlawful employment and reduce vulnerabilities that help illegal aliens gain such employment, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program in July 2006. This program assists employers in targeted sectors develop a more secure and stable workforce. It also enhances fraudulent document awareness through education and training.

By voluntarily participating in the IMAGE program, companies can reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents. As part of IMAGE, ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide education and training on proper hiring procedures, fraudulent document detection, use of the E-Verify employment eligibility verification program and anti-discrimination procedures.

Employers seeking to participate in IMAGE must agree to:

Complete a self-assessment questionnaire
Enroll in E-Verify
Enroll in the Social Security Number Verification Service
Adhere to IMAGE Best Hiring Practices
Undergo an I-9 audit conducted by ICE
Review and sign an official IMAGE partnership agreement with ICE

Upon enrollment and commitment to DHS' best hiring practices, program participants will be deemed "IMAGE Certified" – a distinction DHS believes will become an industry standard. The results of the IMAGE program will guide DHS in shaping future worksite enforcement policy and legislation.

IMAGE members are required to participate in the DHS E-Verify employment eligibility verification program, administered by USCIS. Through this program, employers can verify that newly hired employees are eligible to work in the U.S. This web-based system is available in all 50 states and is free to employers. It provides an automated link to the Social Security Administration database and DHS immigration records.