Do you feel confident with your i-9 processes and records? 

On November 19, 2009 the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that they issued Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to over 1,000 additional Employers across the country (associated with critical infrastructure).  They will be auditing the hiring records to determine whether or not the employers are in compliance with employment eligibility verification laws.  In June of 2009, ICE issued 654 NOIs. 

Do you feel confident with your i-9 processes and records? 

On November 19, 2009 the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that they issued Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to over 1,000 additional Employers across the country (associated with critical infrastructure).  They will be auditing the hiring records to determine whether or not the employers are in compliance with employment eligibility verification laws.  In June of 2009, ICE issued 654 NOIs. 

Penalties can be steep for non-compliance.  Included in the above announcement were statistics resulting from the 654 audits announced in July. Of those 654, ICE closed 326 cases, 61 Notices of Intent to Fine (NIFs) were issued resulting in over $2.3 million in fines, and 267 cases were still being considered for NIFs.

So, would you be ready if you were audited?  Not sure? 

A good start would be to make sure you are using the most recent version of Form i-9 (Revised 08/07/2009).  CLICK HERE to download an English or Spanish version of the updated form – and a brief description.  (this link will take you to the uscis.gov website) 

Next, check out this “Handbook For Employers:  Instructions for Completing Form I-9

(Employment Eligibility Verification Form)” from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.  It is full of information that will help you to stay i-9 compliant.  (additional non-compliance, fine and penalty information can be found of page 23 of this .pdf)

Now is a good of time as any to conduct your own internal i-9 audit to make sure you are compliant!