What is an I-9 Audit?
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for conducting I-9 Audits. What this means is ICE will dispatch officers to businesses to audit your employees’ files. The I-9 is specifically inspected to ensure it has been filled out correctly and the appropriate identification information has been retained. Following designated I-9 practices and keeping accurate records allows business owners to do their part in making sure they are not inadvertently enabling criminal activity such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering or worker exploitation. It is important to be prepared for an I-9 audit should one occur at your business.
Why should I care?
Last year alone between the dates of January 29-March 30, 2018 and then again from July 16-20, 2018 5,278 Notices of Inspection (NOIs) were sent out to businesses. An NOI lets your business know that you are going to be audited by ICE and informs you of what information you should start to compile in preparation for your inspection. Non-compliance with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) can result in civil fines per violation. Non-compliance could also lead to criminal prosecution if the business knowingly violated IRCA laws. (Source)
To a small business owner, this may same intimidating or even overwhelming. The good news is L4SB does offer services that for a low, flat fee ensure you are ahead of any I-9 Audit. Reach out to us today and let us get started in not just getting your business compliant but keeping it that way.
Contact us or call 505.715.5700 today to get started with an Attorney or HR Professional.
