U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced the creation of a new task force dedicated solely to identifying unlawful employment and penalizing the employers who hire unauthorized workers. The Employment Compliance Inspection Center would continue and substantially advance efforts already in place, but would institute particular emphasis on large companies employing thousands and even tens of thousands of individuals. Previously up to 100 ICE agents might have been involved in a single company audit; the new compliance team would be capable of auditing 100 companies with two agents. The initiative underscores the Obama administration policy of creating a “culture of compliance” and discouraging unlawful employment at the source.
Wildes & Weinberg P.C. has developed an expert team of Form I-9 Employment Eligibility compliance specialists who are available for professional consultation and free workshops. Pre-emptive audits of Form I-9 may constitute a good faith effort in the event of a government audit. If you have been contacted by ICE about your company’s Form I-9s, are interested in scheduling a free informational workshop, or if you simply wish to learn more about employment eligibility verification, please contact Michael Wildes at Michael@wildeslaw.com.