It is exceptionally rare for those who employ illegal immigrants to face any kind of criminal prosecution, let alone jail time. Earlier this week, for example, immigration raids on six meat-packing plants netted almost 1,300 suspected illegal workers. But no charges were leveled against the company that runs the plants: Swift.

Golden State Fence's attorney, Richard Hirsch, admits his client broke the law. But he says the case proves that construction companies need a guest-worker program.

Could we try, just once, punishing the rich and powerful companies that hire the illegal immigrants, rather than the people just trying to come here and have a job? 

posted by Valatan at 01:21PM CST on December 16