The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched its latest crackdown on Form I-9 compliance and the hiring illegal workers by handing a Notice of Inspection (NOI) to approximately 1,000 businesses in the past few weeks, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) available at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324755104579071331936331534.html.
The WSJ reports that ICE – the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – notified the businesses with NOIs that they must verify the legal work status of their employees and must submit documents including the ‘Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.’ A Sample Audit Notice from ICE is available at http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/ICEAudit091213.PDF.
When asked about the I-9 audits, ICE officials told the WSJ that hiring records are inspected “to ensure compliance with U.S. employment laws” and added that the names and locations of the businesses – believed to be mostly restaurants, food processing, high-tech manufacturing, and agriculture – “will not be released at this time due to the ongoing, law enforcement sensitive nature of the inspections.”
The WSJ reports the U.S. government has audited “at least 10,000 employers suspected of hiring illegal labor” and imposed administrative and criminal fines totaling more than $100 million in in the last four years. ICE issues fines to employers for both the hiring of illegal workers and paperwork errors on forms, with fines ranging from $110 to $1,110 per form depending on the violation, the WSJ reports.
Employers may consider using E-Verify – a free web-based electronic employment eligibility verification system from the U.S. government – to help with Form I-9 compliance. A Designated E-Verify Employer Agent such as Employment Screening Resources® (ESR) can help businesses comply with Form I-9 and E-Verify regulations. For more information, visit http://www.esrcheck.com/formi9.php.
Employment Screening Resources® (ESR) – ‘The Background Check Authority®’ – is a nationwide background screening firm accredited by The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS®). For more information about background checks from Employment Screening Resources® (ESR), visit http://www.esrcheck.com or call Toll Free 888.999.4474.
Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324755104579071331936331534.html
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/ICEAudit091213.PDF
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf
About Employment Screening Resources® (ESR): Founded by safe hiring expert Attorney Lester Rosen in 1997, Employment Screening Resources® (ESR) – ‘The Background Check Authority®’– provides accurate and actionable information that empowers employers to make informed hiring decisions for the benefit of their organizations, employees, and the public. Founder and CEO Rosen literally wrote the book on background checks with ‘The Safe Hiring Manual’ and ESR is accredited by The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS®), a distinction held by a small percent of screening firms. Employers choosing ESR know they have selected an agency meeting the highest industry standards. To learn more about Employment Screening Resources® (ESR), visit http://www.ESRcheck.com or call Toll Free 888.999.4474.
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