RISING NUMBERS, RISING RESISTANCE.

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Author: Grow, BrianBeucke, Dan

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Many businesses see a huge market in the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants ("Embracing Illegals," July 18, Cover Story). But, as illegals continue to pour in (page 64), there's a flip side: pressure on companies to withhold products and services. Outfits such as Friends of Immigration Law Enforcement are threatening mortgage lenders making loans to illegals with federal anti-racketeering suits. And an internal document from Greyhound Lines obtained by immigrant advocates last week outlines its prohibition on the sale of bus tickets to illegals.

Citing federal law, the Greyhound document warns employees that violations could get them fired -- or arrested. It offers tips on how to spot a potential illegal immigrant smuggler (someone who wants to buy bundles of tickets and uses terms like "my cargo") or illegals themselves (people moving in single file or being led by a "guide"). A spokeswoman says the policy has been around for years and was beefed up after a bus company affiliated with Greyhound was indicted in 2001 by federal officials for trafficking in illegals.

Advocates for immigrants worry similar bans could set off a rash of racial profiling. "This is a very intimidating policy," says Arnoldo Garcia, senior program associate at the National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights.

Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Copyright 2005

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By Brian Grow

Edited By Dan Beucke