The ICE News Release states: “Employers are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This form requires employers to review and record the individual’s identity document(s) and determine whether the document(s) reasonably appear to be genuine and related to the individual.”

The 652 businesses being presented with a Notice of Inspection. Apparently, an I-9 audit may have been selected for inspection as a result of leads and information obtained through other investigative means. ICE further states: “Due to the ongoing, law enforcement sensitive nature of these audits, the names and locations of the businesses will not be released at this time.” The ICE Release can be viewed at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0907/090701washington.htm

Our office is in the process of assisting several employers with these audits and it appears that, for many, the receipt of information from the U.S. Social Security Administration or the State Department of Labor may be the genesis of the investigation.

For more information on the I-9 Audits, the Employment Verification Process or prearing a response to a Notice of Investigation from ICE, please visit the ICE website at www.ice.gov or contact our offices at www.visaserve.com. You can also call us at 201-670-0006 (x107).