CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than a dozen immigrants who entered the country illegally face federal charges after they attempted to take the West Virginia electrician’s exam.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal announced several exam applications seemed suspicious, resulting in an investigation with U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement.
“This case underscores the importance of safety rules that protect the public,” State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree said. “Besides the threat from unsafe or hazardous work performed, there is the potential for further fraud and compromise of the licensing process. West Virginia’s electrical licensing program has reciprocity with several other states, and this could compromise their respective programs.”
The fourteen people were arrested on Oct. 6 at the exam location.