I-9 Compliance and Audits

Why I-9 Compliance Matters

Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Both employees and employers must complete the form.

Failing to comply with Form I-9 requirements can result in significant consequences, including:

• Civil fines
• Criminal penalties
• Debarment from government contracts

Monetary penalties for knowingly hiring and continuing to employ violations could cost thousands per violation, with repeat offenders receiving penalties at the higher end. These financial consequences can significantly impact a business’s bottom line.

I-9 Compliance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

I-9 compliance doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, paperwork-heavy process. Our team makes it simple:

Smart, Customized Policies

We’ll work with you to develop an I-9 compliance policy tailored to your unique business needs. We’ll consider your hiring volume, employee demographics, and industry-specific requirements to create a policy that works for you.

Proactive Training

We provide comprehensive training for your hiring managers and HR teams to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to I-9s. We’ll cover topics like proper form completion, document verification, and common mistakes to avoid.

Preventive I-9 Audits

Our team conducts comprehensive preventive audits of your I-9 documentation to identify and correct potential compliance issues before they become problems. These proactive reviews ensure your organization is audit-ready at all times, providing peace of mind and protection against costly penalties.

Audit Defense

In the event of an audit, we’ll be right by your side. Our attorneys will interface with auditors, provide document review and analysis, and zealously defend your interests. We’ll work to minimize any potential penalties and create a corrective action plan to ensure future compliance.

E-Verify: Strategic Considerations for Employers

E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9 to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify is mandatory for federal contractors, employers in certain states, and companies sponsoring F-1 students on STEM OPT. For these employers, compliance is essential. However, for others, E-Verify enrollment requires careful consideration.

Important Considerations:

• E-Verify requires uploading documentation to government systems, limiting your ability to correct errors internally
• Increased government oversight and monitoring of your employment practices
• Potential complications that may outweigh benefits for employers not legally required to participate

Our Approach:

For employers required to use E-Verify, our i-9 compliance lawyers will:

• Assist with enrollment and system implementation
• Provide comprehensive team training
• Guide you through case creation and resolution
• Ensure compliance with all E-Verify requirements

For employers not required to use E-Verify, we offer:

• Personalized assessment of whether E-Verify aligns with your business needs
• Evaluation of potential risks versus benefits for your specific situation
• Alternative compliance strategies that may better serve your organization

At De Wit Immigration Law, we help you make informed decisions about E-Verify based on your unique circumstances, rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ensure I-9 Compliance with Confidence

Don’t let I-9 compliance keep you up at night. Contact De Wit Immigration Law today to discuss how we can help you remain compliant and E-Verify with confidence.

Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the guidance you need to maintain a compliant and legal workforce. We’ll be your trusted partner, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we handle the immigration compliance details.