The Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification process has always been a key requirement for U.S. businesses, ensuring that all employees are legally authorized to work in the country. However, under the new administration, there is a renewed focus on immigration policies and employer compliance, making I-9 verification more critical than ever.
With increased enforcement efforts, higher penalties for violations, and more audits, businesses of all sizes must take proactive steps to ensure they are properly completing, verifying, and storing I-9 forms. Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines, business disruptions, and legal risks.
Why Employers Must Prioritize I-9 Compliance
1. Increased Audits and Enforcement Actions
One of the biggest changes expected under the new administration is a tightened approach to employment verification enforcement. Government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Department of Labor (DOL) will likely ramp up worksite audits and employer investigations.
Employers who fail to complete I-9 forms properly or miss required deadlines could be subject to steep fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation. Ensuring that your business has accurate, up-to-date, and properly stored I-9 records will help avoid legal trouble.
2. Form I-9 Errors Can Be Costly
Many businesses don’t realize that even small mistakes on the I-9 form can result in significant penalties. Common errors include:
Missing or incorrect employee information
Failure to complete Section 2 within three business days of hiring
Failure to reverify work authorization for employees with expiring visas
Using outdated versions of the I-9 form
These clerical errors may seem minor, but ICE takes them seriously. Having a structured and thorough process in place for I-9 completion and verification is key to staying compliant.
3. The Shift to Remote Work and Digital I-9s
With the rise of remote work, businesses have faced new challenges in completing the I-9 verification process in person. The federal government has provided temporary flexibilities in recent years, allowing for remote I-9 verification under specific conditions. However, employers must ensure they are meeting all updated compliance requirements as these policies continue to evolve.
Using a secure, digital I-9 verification system allows businesses to easily verify and store documents remotely, ensuring compliance without the hassle of paper-based recordkeeping.
4. Protecting Your Business from Legal and Financial Risks
Beyond the risk of fines, non-compliance with I-9 verification can lead to:
Loss of government contracts
Legal disputes with employees
Damage to company reputation
By prioritizing compliance now, businesses can avoid costly disruptions in the future.
How Infinium HR Can Help
At Infinium HR, we offer online I-9 verification services to make compliance fast, simple, and secure. Our digital platform allows you to verify employees, store records electronically, and ensure compliance with all federal requirements—all without the hassle of paper documentation.
Let us help you stay ahead of changing regulations and protect your business in 2025 and beyond. Contact Infinium HR today to streamline your I-9 verification process!