For many employers, Form I-9 compliance receives attention only when a government inspection notice arrives. By that point, however, opportunities to correct systemic problems may be limited, and small administrative mistakes can become expensive compliance issues.

As federal worksite enforcement efforts continue, employers should view Form I-9 compliance as...

Employers across the United States are facing increased pressure to carefully review their Form I-9 compliance procedures as immigration enforcement activity continues to rise. Recent enforcement updates suggest that ICE may now take a far more aggressive position when reviewing paperwork errors during I-9 inspections and audits.

Mistakes that...

Recent updates from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have significantly changed how Form I-9 compliance is evaluated during audits. These changes increase the risk for employers by expanding what is considered a “substantive” violation.

As enforcement activity continues to rise, employers should take immediate steps to review their...

Immigration compliance has become a major responsibility for HR departments across the United States. With government enforcement increasing and penalties rising, companies must treat immigration compliance as an integral part of their workforce management strategy rather than a routine administrative task.

Organizations that develop structured compliance programs are better...

Immigration enforcement in the workplace continues to be a major concern for U.S. employers in 2026. Increased site visits, I-9 audits, and enforcement actions have left many businesses unsure how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears at their facility.

Preparation—not panic—is the key. Employers who understand...

Employers that use E-Verify must take an important compliance step before January 23, 2026. On that date, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will permanently delete certain older E-Verify records, which could affect an employer’s ability to demonstrate compliance during a Form I-9 audit.

Employers who act now can avoid...

Every employer in the United States is required to complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. With increased government audits and higher potential fines, maintaining strong Form I-9 compliance is more important than ever for businesses of all sizes.

This NPZ update provides...

Federal immigration enforcement has increasingly shifted its focus to the workplace. “Worksite enforcement” refers to the government’s efforts to make sure that employers follow the law when hiring and managing employees. These actions may involve inspections, audits, or, in more serious cases, coordinated investigations that can affect both businesses and workers.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that E-Verify is now fully operational following a recent service disruption. All participating employers, HR professionals, and federal contractors should take immediate action to ensure continued compliance with employment verification requirements.

Action Required for Employers

As of October 1, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the E-Verify system is temporarily unavailable due to a lapse in appropriations and statutory authority. This means employers cannot access their E-Verify accounts to create new cases, resolve mismatches, or run reports.

What Employers Should...