Labor & Employment Law Articles

Increase in Immigration (ICE) Audits

In April 2009, President Barack Obama’s administration broke with the policy of George W. Bush that targeted undocumented workers for deportation, and instead implemented a strategy to go after United States employers hiring illegal immigrants.  As part of this policy, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) is forcing businesses to open up their books to investigations and possible penalties. 

In 2008, ICE conducted a little over 500 I-9 audits and fined only 32 companies.  In July 2009 alone, it announced audits of more than 650 companies; and, since the Obama administration implemented its immigration policy changes in April, the federal government has issued intent to fine notices to 142 companies, totaling over $15 million.

This crackdown was further amplified on November 19, 2009, when ICE notified another 1,000 companies that it would be auditing them as part of the administration's ongoing effort to penalize companies that hire illegal workers.

For more information on how these audits will affect your company and what you can do to put yourself in the best defensive posture, please contact us directly.