ICE Confirms Surge of I-9 Audits
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed in a news conference this week that it served more than 3,000 Notices of Inspection to businesses nationwide. These Notices of Inspection are typically accompanied by an Immigration Enforcement Subpoena and require prompt action, with as short as three days to respond providing original Forms I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification and employee records.
This surge of enforcement activity is consistent with the already-dramatic increase in immigration raids and worksite enforcement efforts seen under the current administration. ICE continues to lead the effort to police businesses to ensure they are following the rules for verifying authorization to work in the United States.
Preparation is Key
Most employers are fined more than $1,800 per Form I-9 with an average error rate nationwide of around 76 percent. Fortunately, employers can prepare for a government visit or inspection of their Forms I-9 to limit their potential liability. And employers can be represented by counsel in responding to ICE's Notices of Inspection.
Stinson's attorneys help employers respond to I-9 audits, and improve their compliance by conducting training, self-audits and assisting in the correction of Forms I-9. Stinson can also help develop policies, compliance plans and worksite enforcement action plans to be prepared in the event of a raid.
For more information on the increase in ICE enforcement activities, please contact Alisa Nickel Ehrlich, Elizabeth Chatham, Renee Mueller Steinle, Olga Andreyeva or the Stinson LLP contact with whom you regularly work.
