Immigration Audits Target Businesses

On July 1, 2009, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) announced that approximately 650 businesses nationwide have been targeted for in-person audits of I-9 employment eligibility verification forms. Upon notification, businesses are given limited time to prepare for the audit by federal representatives.

This sudden announcement was the result of leads and information obtained by the ICE relating to violations of the law. Businesses in various industries including restaurants, construction and trucking, and manufacturing have already been affected by the audits.

Employers are required to complete and retain a proper Form I-9 for each and every employee hired after November 6, 1986 to show that the employee is authorized to work in the United States. The employer must continue to ensure employees are eligible to work as authorization documents expire.

For more information on an employer’s requirements contact Robert A. Tandy, Esq. at (201) 474-7103.