Justia Lawyer Rating for Jose Noriega
Superlawyer Badges
AV Preeminent Badge
AVVO Rating 10.0 - Top Attorney Criminal Defense
AVVO Rating 10.0 - Top Attorney Personal Injury
AVVO Top Contributor - Criminal Defense
AVVO Clients' Choice - Car Accidents
AVVO Top Contributor - Family
AVVO Clients' Choice - Criminal Defense
BBB

Am I Responsible for Enforcing Immigration Laws?

Am I Responsible for My Employee’s Status?

Here at Guest & Gray, we have experienced immigration and business law attorneys that work tirelessly to help employers both large and small run their businesses, and steer clear of unnecessary enforcement actions. One of the most frequently asked questions our lawyers get when talking with their clients about how to avoid unnecessary legal headaches “how responsible am I for my employees’ immigration status?”

It is hard not to feel sympathetic for those that want to work hard and make a better life for themselves and their family. But you also worry about yourself, and your business, and how to keep the doors open and food on your table. After all, you are just a business owner, the only thing you should be worried about is your bottom line, right? It can be difficult to know what the right thing to do is.

But the very first thing, we have to agree on, although difficult at times and unfair it may seem, you as an employer are responsible for increasing immigration laws.

What’s an I-9

In 1986, when Congress mandated I-9 forms, they made it the responsibility of every business owner and employer to confirm the legal status and ability to work of every employee they hire.

An I-9 is a form provided by the Federal Government that employers are to use to verify that their employees have legal status to work in the United States. When your employee is filing out their I-9 they are attesting to that legal right to work in the United States, and providing you with proof of documentation of their right to do so. I-9 forms must be completed by citizens and non-citizens alike. Employers are to provide all employees with a form and access to the Table which shows the forms of identification which may be acceptable to prove work authorization, which can be found on the back of the form. Employers must review the documentation provided by the employee, and make sure that it appears genuine, and that it matches the information provided by the employee on the I-9. This form must be completed within 3 days of the employee beginning work for the employer. The employer is responsible for maintaining good I-9 records, and must hold onto the forms for a certain amount of time depending on whether the employee is fired, or resigns or retires, or is still employed, even if a new one is created and completed.

Because you can be subject to ciil and criminal fines and fees, as well as possible jail-time for not complying with I-9 requirements for each of your employees, it is vitally important that all business owners take the time to appraise themselves of I-9 rules and regulations.

Here at Guest & Gray we have experienced immigration and business law attorneys who can help your company train its supervisors and managers in I-9 compliance rules. We can help you protect against I-9 audits and possible enforcement actions as well. If your business is concerned about I-9 issues, please give us a call.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Guest and Gray law firm is wonderful. I have had the chance to work with three of the lawyers and they all have been wonderful. They will tell you when you need a lawyer and when you don't. They actually try to save you money. They respond very fast to questions and try to help you understand what is going on. They are caring and are really judgment free. If I needed a lawyer again I would use this firm in a second and recommend them. K.K.
★★★★★
I used Guest and Gray to deal with my ex wife's accusations of child neglect.I dealt with Robert Guest and Tracy Gray. Both were excellent attorneys and surpassed every expectation I had in fighting the false accusations. We Won ! M.B.
★★★★★
I used Guest & Gray for a child custody case and they were great. I was really nervous about the case but they took care of everything and answered all my questions. I would recommend their services to anyone. J.R.
★★★★★
I can highly recommend Guest and Gray. I have worked on a number of cases with Robert Guest and and Scott Gray and find it amazing how MOTIVATED they are to do everything they can for their clients, not to mention that there superior knowledge, etc. In criminal cases supportive relatives always want to know "what can I do" to help. Hire Guest and Gray. C.S.