April 28, 2017
Worksite Immigration Enforcement Is Happening Now
During the past two months, employers are reporting increased numbers of ICE and Fraud Detection Unit worksite visits. Employers need to prepare now by conducting informal I-9 audits and by assuring that HR representatives receive up-to-date I-9 training. Employers should also consider drafting and implementing Immigration Compliance Plans. H-1B employers should ensure that their Public Access Files are up-to-date and readily available for inspection.
Worksite enforcement actions are not limited to civil penalties. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and various DHS officials state that they intend to use the criminal fraud statutes, as well as criminal “harboring” and “transporting” statutes and potential pattern-and-practice RICO (racketeering) charges against non-compliant employers.
H-1B dependent employers and H-1B and L-1 employers with personnel at third-party worksites are particularly subject to enforcement visits. It is very important to make sure that all H-1B and L-1 employees who spend work time at a client site are fully briefed and prepared for fraud agent questioning.
Email or call for more information and to set up training and enforcement education sessions at your workplace.