I-9 Audit Preparedness
The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 is a law that stipulates all U.S. employers must verify their employee’s identities and employment eligibility upon hiring. Because of IRCA, there are criminal and civil sanctions for employment-related violations. Also, The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are targeting employers who hire those who do not have authorization to work in the United States.
Determining whether an employee remains authorized to work in the U.S. can be extraordinarily complicated. An annual compliance review by a competent immigration attorney is a very cost-effective way to avoid expensive consequences.
Contact us at Garcia, Miranda & Gonzalez-Rua, P.A. to schedule a consultation by calling (888) 340-8424 today.
Legal Counsel During an Active I-9 Audit
If your company becomes the subject of an I-9 Audit by ICE, hopefully you have been conducting annual I-9 Compliance. Both the Obama and Trump Administrations have aggressively increased the number of active I-9 Compliance Audits, and there is every reason to expect this trend will continue under future administrations.
Garcia, Miranda & Gonzalez-Rua, P.A. is prepared to represent your company during an active audit in order to protect your rights, but also to ensure ICE of your good faith efforts to remain compliant in the future.
Negotiating Post-Audit Penalties and Fines
Those who are found to be non-compliant with IRCA regulations will be burdened with heavy fines, forfeiture of company assets, and possible incarceration. If ICE decides your company knowingly hired or continued to employ unauthorized workers you may be fined and subject to criminal prosecution. Monetary penalties range from $110 to $16,000 for each violation, and can add up very quickly. Our experienced attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to drastically reduce or eliminate these penalties.
Do you need help with an I-9 audit or an immigration case? Contact us at Garcia, Miranda & Gonzalez-Rua, P.A. to discuss your situation with one of our attorneys. Call (888) 340-8424 to schedule a case evaluation.