ICE Announces Targeted I-9 Inspections
July 22, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security's office of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on July 1, 2009 that 652 businesses nationwide will be targeted for in-person inspections of the employer's I-9 employment verification forms. In the fiscal year 2008, the agency issued a total of 503 similar notices. The increased number of inspections reflects the agency's new strategy to reduce the demand for illegal employment by focusing on employers suspected of knowingly employing undocumented workers. Upon initial notification of the inspection, targeted employers will be given a very short time frame (as little as three days) to prepare for a meeting with federal officials, during which the company's I-9 forms will be reviewed.
Employers are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual hired for employment in the United States. The form requires employers to review and record documents verifying the individual's identity and eligibility to work in the U. S.
Ensure that your I-9's are completed compliantly. The I-9 form was revised this Spring (Revision 02/2/09) to modify the list of documents acceptable for proof of identity and employment authorization. The revised form is applicable to individuals hired after April 3, 2009. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the Form I-9 (Rev 02/2/09) will continue to be valid for use beyond the printed expiration date of June 30, 2009.
Contact SESCO to:
1) Ensure you are using the current/required I-9 form
2) Have an audit conducted to ensure compliance.
Contact SESCO at 423-764-4127
