Okay, so the program is currently optional. The burden still remains with the employer. For example, larger companies file electronically and the IRS does not kick back bogus numbers. Perhaps it takes them more than a year...what then? There is no coordination between the IRS and the INS. So the employer, fires the employee who then goes on to a new company for a job. The INS never steps in. As we've heard from law enforcement across the country, the INS has no interest in picking up illegals. That is the problem that must be corrected first, before we burden private business with law enforcement.
Did you read the website I provided? The SSA gives employers several options for verifying social security numbers by phone or in writing. I don't care if it is optional or mandatory. If an employer fails to take advantage of these free tools provided to them by taxpayers then I think they should be subject to prosecution and it should not matter what bogus documents they have on file. On the other hand, if they take advantage of those tools I believe they should be given a safe harbor from prosecution.