Employers Watch Out for Fines for Employing Undocumented Workers

In Washington, two owners of an engine parts company were fined $100,000 for employing workers not authorized to work in the US, as reported by the New York Times.  This report illustrates the penalties that the Department of Homeland Security is imposing on employers with illegal workers on the payroll.  In 2009, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) has a $3 billion budget for worksite enforcement actions.  In 2008, it made 1103 criminal arrests of people in connection with worksite enforcement, and 5,184 administrative arrests.  In light of the risks of criminal fines and arrests, employers should review their Form I-9s to ensure compliance with the immigration laws.