The I-9 employment eligibility verification process remains a critical compliance requirement for U.S. employers. With recent changes to Form I-9, evolving immigration policies, and heightened enforcement priorities, businesses must stay proactive to avoid costly penalties. This guide provides essential updates and best practices to help employers maintain compliance in 2025.
New...Category: I-9 / E-Verify
Compliance with Court Order: TPS Venezuela Designation Extended & EADs Valid Through April 2, 2026
On March 31, 2025, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ordered a postponement of the vacatur (published February 3, 2025) and the termination (published February 5, 2025) of the 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela.
As a result of the District Court’s order,...
Important Alert: E‑Verify System Outage Affecting Form I‑9 Documents (I‑551 & I‑766)
E‑Verify recently encountered a technical issue affecting cases created between March 23 - 26, 2025, involving employees presenting an I‑551 (Permanent Resident Card) or I‑766 (Employment Authorization Document) as their Form I‑9 document. Due to this error, some cases may have incorrectly received a DHS mismatch (TNC). Employers are advised to close...
How DOJ’s Increased Immigration Enforcement Affects Employers and Compliance
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a renewed focus on immigration enforcement, signaling tougher penalties for businesses that fail to comply with federal immigration laws. This shift means that companies may now face criminal charges for hiring unauthorized workers, I-9 violations, and document fraud—areas that were previously handled as civil matters.
How Employers Should Handle an ICE or FDNS Visit: Key Steps for Compliance
Immigration authorities may conduct worksite visits to verify employment authorization, compliance with visa sponsorship obligations, and adherence to U.S. immigration laws. As enforcement efforts increase, businesses must be prepared to respond appropriately when visited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Fraud Detection and National...
Key Changes in Business Immigration Policies
Stricter Processing of Immigration Petitions and Applications
Key Changes in Business Immigration Policies Continue reading…
President Trump has revoked many Biden-era policies that aimed to improve processing efficiency at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS). As a result, employers should prepare for:
More restrictive criteria for expedited processing requests.How Employers Can Prepare for ICE Workplace Inspections and Raids
With workplace immigration enforcement on the rise, employers need to be proactive about compliance and prepared to handle potential visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In recent weeks, businesses in various industries—including construction, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing—have faced increased audits, inspections, and even raids.
Employers must understand their rights and responsibilities when ICE agents...
5 Essential Strategies for Immigration Compliance in a Shifting Political Landscape
With immigration policies evolving in response to political and regulatory changes, businesses face heightened scrutiny and potential compliance risks. To safeguard your organization against financial penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational harm, proactive planning is essential. Below are five key strategies your business can implement to stay ahead in this complex environment.
I-9 Compliance in a New Era: How to Protect Your Workforce and Avoid Penalties
With immigration enforcement expected to intensify under the current administration, U.S. businesses face heightened scrutiny of their hiring and employment practices. One area of particular focus is Form I-9 compliance. The consequences of non-compliance can be steep, including hefty fines and potential workforce disruptions. Here’s how businesses can act now to prepare...
How Employers Can Prepare for Immigration Audits and Raids
With heightened attention on immigration enforcement in the U.S., employers need to remain vigilant and proactive to safeguard their businesses. Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, and construction—often employing large non-professional workforces—face increasing scrutiny from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. Whether through audits or unannounced workplace raids, enforcement...