19 November 2009 — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) served 1,000 business with audit notices this week. Audits have yielded $15,865,181 in proposed fines since the new enforcement program began 30 April 2009. See, News Release.
“ICE is focused on finding and penalizing employers who believe they can unfairly get ahead by cultivating illegal workplaces,” said Assistant Secretary Morton. “We are increasing criminal and civil enforcement of immigration-related employment laws and imposing smart, tough employer sanctions to even the playing field for employers who play by the rules.”
Audits involve a comprehensive review of Form I-9s, which employers are required to complete and retain for each individual hired in the United States. I-9 forms require employers to review and record each individual’s identity and work eligibility document(s) and determine whether the document(s) reasonably appear to be genuine and related to that specific individual.
Related Resouces:
Form I-9 and E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification
The most accurate and easiest method to verify Social Security, Immigration “A,” and I-9 numbers available to an employer
Verify A Social Security Number: Employer Tools To Check A SSN
A discussion of the tools available for an Employer to verify a Social Security Number