A client who received an ICE visit recently said to me, “Giselle, I don’t want to see them here again. How can we best prepare?”

As promised in October of 2017, throughout this year employers have experienced a ramping up of I-9 audits and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) visits.

These audits have been carried out against employers both large and small.

ICE has stated that it wants employers to expect I-9 audits to be a routine part of business.   The agency will continue increase Form I-9 audits, conduct more worksite raids and promote involvement in the government’s voluntary compliance program.

In the first half of the year, ICE has served audit notices to more than 5,200 businesses, arresting nearly 100 people within that timeframe.

Form I-9 paperwork violations carry a penalty of $216 to $2,156 per worker.  Proactive education, preparation and audits are a mitigating factor. 

Here are a few tools and past blog posts that may prove helpful to your team:

• Acceptable Abbreviations for Document Titles of Form I-9
• Issuing Authorities for I-9 Documents
• Answers to Your Top FAQs about the I-9 Form
• How to Correct Mistakes on the I-9

Being proactive will help you prevent larger problems down the road.  Not only will you minimize fines, but also save time, and minimize stress and hassle.

We’re proactively working with clients to improve their preparedness.  We’re ready to help you.