As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a return to the White House, in-house counsel at companies across various sectors are intensifying their efforts to ensure compliance with immigration laws. This preemptive action comes in light of anticipated increases in audit activities related to employment eligibility documentation, particularly the I-9 forms required for all employees.
The prior Trump administration saw a significant increase in the number of I-9 audits conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These audits were part of a broader enforcement strategy targeting undocumented employment practices. Companies found to have discrepancies in their I-9 documentation faced substantial penalties, making it crucial for businesses to maintain proper records.
Legal experts are advising that companies adopt a proactive approach to their immigration-related paperwork. Diane Butler, chair of the immigration group at Davis Wright Tremaine in Seattle, emphasized the necessity of having documentation in order, with I-9 forms being at the forefront of these efforts.
For many businesses, ensuring the compliance of I-9 forms is a critical first step in preparing for any potential audits by federal authorities. Given the history of stringent enforcement policies during the past Trump administration, legal departments are focused on examining and tightening their internal processes to mitigate risks. More detailed information on this subject can be found in the source article.