Are you looking to replace your error-prone I-9 paper process with an electronic system in 2014? Companies that are considering transitioning to electronic I-9s should be aware that there are significant issues related to legal liability, security, functionality, and cost. There are benefits and disadvantages to both approaches. Some advantages of using electronic I-9 [...]
IMAGE (the ICE Mutual Agreement Between Government and Employers) is a voluntary partnership initiative between the federal government and private sector employers. The initiative is designed to foster cooperative relationships and to strengthen overall hiring practices. ICE developed the program as a new concept for employer self-compliance within the worksite enforcement program, through which employers can [...]
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is launching another round of worksite investigations. Recently, ICE has indicated it would conduct another wave of I-9 audits. ICE prioritizes investigations involving critical infrastructure and key resources. However, no industry or company, regardless of size, type or location is exempt from complying with the law and may become [...]
Wednesday, October 30, 2013 12.30-1.30 PM EST The Form I-9 appears deceptively simple, but is fraught with potential compliance issues including financial penalties. Given the intensification of worksite enforcement efforts, it is crucial for employers to assess their I-9 records and practices with an internal audit. This FREE webinar will provide training on how to [...]
Recently published cases appear to demonstrate a distinct trend at the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (“OCAHO”)* in drastically reducing ICE's penalty assessments, particularly when the employer is a small business and acted in good faith. One commonality we see in decisions is the consistent cite to, "Penalties approaching the maximum permissible should [...]
U.S. diplomatic posts in 19 cities in the Mideast and North Africa will remain closed until Saturday, August 10, though the closures could be extended beyond this date and to other posts. Per the Department of State, the following U.S. embassies and consulates are affected: Manama, Bahrain Bujumbura, Burundi Djibouti Cairo, Egypt Amman, Jordan Kuwait [...]
USCIS has just released new Reports on the E- Verify Program that focused on the accuracy of the program, employer opinions, employer and employee experiences in Arizona after state legislative mandates went into effect, and E-Verify Employer Agent (EEAs). The overall results from each of the studies show that the E-Verify users have confidence in [...]
As we reported last month, on June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court held that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. With the end of DOMA, the immigration agencies have begun the task of implementing the Windsor decision and married LGBT couples can now access the marriage-based immigration benefits and other [...]
This FREE webinar will offer strategies and tips for preparing H-1B petitions and responding to RFEs for foreign entrepreneurs and third party placement H-1B visa holders. The panel will discuss types, options and formats of documentary evidence required to support the employer-employee relationship. This session will also provide strategies and scenarios to fulfill the H-1B [...]
Immigration related compliance is an increasing concern for U.S. employers, who are often caught between two federal agencies with opposing interests: ensuring that all workers are authorized for employment in the U.S. and protecting those who are lawfully here from discrimination. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (“IRCA”) requires all employers to fill [...]