How To Test Your I-9 Compliance Status – Before ICE Does It For You
Late last year, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) announced plans to increase workplace investigations by four or five times in 2018 with a focus on eliminating jobs considered to be the driving forces of illegal immigration. Now, we are seeing reports indicating the dramatic increase of Form I-9 employment eligibility verification audits.
Employers are once again reminded not to brush off the importance of maintaining I-9 compliance. Violations can carry a penalty of $216 to $2,156 dollars per worker. Furthermore, non-compliance could result in large civil fines, criminal punishments, loss of business licenses and ineligibility from government contracts. Now would be a great time to ensure you’re your business is ready for a workplace audit. You might do this by conducting a self-evaluation of your I-9 files including:
- Reviewing current policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with national standards.
- Comparing I-9 forms with payroll records to ensure that you have a completed form for each one of your employees.
- Making sure hard copies of your employee’s I-9 forms are maintained in a separate file from the employee’s personnel files or maintained electronically in compliance with the law.
- Reviewing your I-9 completion and replacement forms process to ensure any updates are compliant with the law.
While I-9 compliance may seem easy, there are plenty of complications that could trip you up. Remember, an ICE inspection notice can come at any time and the agency will demand your I-9 documentation within three business days. It’s up to you to make sure your files are complete and in order.
If you’re interested in learning more about the new regulations surrounding the Form I-9 and whether or not you’re in compliance, email Rea & Associates or reach out to me directly for more information.
By Renee West, SHRM-CP, PHR (New Philadelphia office)