Lawmakers narrowly approved a bill yesterday to significantly boost funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as Border Patrol, through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. The Republican-backed Secure America Act, which just passed the House by a 214-212 vote, allocates $38 billion for ICE, $26 billion for Border Patrol and $5 billion for unforeseen costs. The President signed the bill into law today, making now a good time for employers to take proactive steps to minimize the chances of facing an immigration audit or raid. This Insight will provide you with a detailed five-step compliance plan and practical pointers to consider if immigration officials arrive at your workplace. We’ve also created two checklists for you to use as a recap for the key pieces of guidance.

1. Understand the Risks

Employers that commit immigration violations face significant penalties, including:

• Civil Fines: Up to $2,861 per I-9 violation, up to $5,724 for knowingly hiring undocumented workers, and up to $28,619 per worker for repeat offenders.
• Criminal Penalties: A pattern or practice of knowingly employing unauthorized workers is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and up to $3,000 per worker in fines; related conduct such as harboring or document fraud can expose business leaders to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
• Asset Seizure: Conviction may trigger forfeiture of assets and profits linked to the violation.
• Loss of Government...

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