BlogLine

Washington Attempts to "Modernize" Immigration

2/20/14

 
By: Kelly Eisenlohr-Moul
Political pundits much savvier than me are predicting that immigration “reform” likely will pass in the next year.  Below is a preview of the provisions employers can expect to see:

• Mandatory E-Verify: Although Georgia already requires participation for businesses with 11 or more employees, a federal mandate is almost certain

• Increased Civil Penalties Associated with Employment Verification Violations
  • Knowingly hiring unauthorized workers: $3500-$25,000 per worker!
  • Failing to comply with document verification: $500-$8000 per worker!

• Reformed Social Security Administration Initiatives
  • Clarifies appropriate response to “no-match” letters 

• Enhanced Antidiscrimination Provisions
  • Expands prohibitions on discrimination based on national origin or citizenship status
  • Allows EEOC to refer charges to the Department of Justice, which is much more aggressive in their enforcement 

• Increased visa opportunities for qualified foreign workers
  • More opportunities for H1B and other specialty occupation immigrants 

As most employers in Georgia are already obligated to use E-Verify, consider these steps to get ahead of federal immigration reform:

• Modify your EEO and anti-retaliation policies to include national origin and citizenship status; and
• Take a free webinar from USCIS on I-9 and/or E-Verify compliance