Fragomen, the industry's leading authority on corporate I-9 compliance, offers a comprehensive I-9 program management solution to help clients ensure IRCA and Unfair Immigration Related Employment Practice compliance with a high level of accuracy and efficiency. http://www.fragomen.com/archive/I-9/redesign/index.html While I-9 compliance may appear to entail the mere completion of a simple, one-page government form, in fact it represents a series of complex transactions that, unless performed with precision, expose companies to significant risk and liability. Paperwork violations alone can result in civil penalties of $1,100 for each individual for whom verification was improperly completed or omitted. Employers that entirely ignore the I-9 process could be subject to pattern or practice liability, which might result in a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a six-month prison sentence. Recent Department of Homeland Security regulations for digital handling of I-9 forms now make it possible for employers to adopt electronic tools that fully automate the completion, signature and storage of I-9 forms. This development gives permission for electronic processing, but it also raises the bar for employers, who will now increasingly be expected to maintain I-9 records with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. At the same time, in a post-9/11 environment focusing on the security implications of illegal workers, the government is also increasing its attention to worksite enforcement and the importance of proper completion and storage of I-9 forms. Given these trends, it is more important than ever for companies to make sure that their I-9 forms are completed efficiently and correctly, and that they are readily accessible in the event of an audit. As a law firm dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration law, Fragomen has represented a broad range of companies, organizations and emerging businesses, including a large portion of the Fortune 500, for over fifty years. Fragomen has maintained a specialized I-9 Practice Group for nearly twenty years - since the passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) in 1986. Our representation in this area includes Form I-9 employment eligibility verification compliance and Unfair Immigration Related Employment Practice compliance. Our I-9 team is focused on proactively aiding our clients to achieve, maintain and defend compliance with these sections of the law. http://www.fragomen.com/archive/I-9/redesign/about.html http://www.fragomen.com/archive/I-9/redesign/about.html Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:30:44 EST