Employers: Prepare for More I-9 Audits Under Trump Administration
The Trump administration has already begun to implement significant changes in U.S. immigration policy and work authorization enforcement is expected to be a top priority. Employers should review their Form I-9 compliance now and prepare for potential I-9 audits and worksite visits, experts said. “Federal law requires employers to use Form I-9 to document employment eligibility,” said Sarah Hawk, a partner in the Atlanta office of Barnes and Thornburg. “ Although some employers use the paper version of Form I-9, others also participate in E-Verify, a voluntary web-based system that compares information from an existing Form I-9 to government records to confirm an employee’s authorization to work in the U.S.” A surge in I-9 audits is expected under the new administration. “We expect heightened scrutiny on I-9s as the Trump administration enters office,” Hawk said. “We’ve had increased interest from clients seeking legal help on I-9 compliance, and we are conducting s...