To join the program, employers have to undergo a thorough audit of their hiring procedures by ICE, including a review of I-9s. Companies also pledge to adopt best practices, such as sign up for E-Verify, in screening applicants to show that they are taking every precaution against hiring undocumented workers for open positions.

The IMAGE program, launched in January 2007, has had only the nine charter participants since then. Among the new "full" members is Little Lady Foods of Elk Grove Village, Ill., a producer of pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and other foods for the foodservice market. Smithfield is considered an "associate" member, meaning it still is getting its paperwork in order to meet IMAGE standards, but has pledged to do so.

"(Participating companies') clients can be assured that they are making every effort to make sure they have workforce integrity," ICE spokeswoman Pat Reilly told Meatingplace.

"We are pleased to have Smithfield, because they're a big player and it shows others in the industry that it's possible," Reilly says. "And once word gets out that a company meets the IMAGE standard, then fewer illegal immigrants will even apply for jobs. And it serves to help lower employee turnover.".

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