That would be a good start and if enough of us did it, at least the contractor would know it was coming - but what if the contractor lies. All we hve done is cover our own trail. The law is going to do nothing and we have no recourse against the contractor. I don't expect them to say, "Why yes, I have illegals working for me." Not to be argumentative, just my take on it. We would have to do that everytime we went out to eat, ate any food, etc., We are all contributing. Just knowing the legality or illegality of the worker really does nothing. Until we refuse to have them work, unless we personally, can ascertain their status or until we are willing to not eat, chicken, beef, pork, many veggies that are produced using them, we are really accomplishing nothing. If we would all boycott one item, beef, pork - chicken being my favorite just because I have seen first hand what a chicken producer's illegals can do, nothing, not a thing will happen. They have to be hurt in the pocketbook. That is all they understand - nothing else.
I agree he should have covered himself by asking. Of course, covering himself is all he would be doing, be he should have done that. We don't know for a fact that he did not. Don't count on the newspaper to give us the facts.
However, public pressure is helpful to changing the attitudes of contractors.
Yes, it is a CYA procedure, which is particularly what I was discussing. However, if enough people did this it would help. IMHO.