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Immigrant workers bring valuable talent and diversity to your workforce, but maintaining immigration compliance is a serious responsibility. For small businesses, the process can be overwhelming. For larger employers, it often diverts resources better spent elsewhere. That’s where our Orlando worksite compliance attorneys come in.
At Brown Immigration Law, we work closely with employers to help them meet all required legal obligations while continuing to build strong, diverse teams. Our goal is straightforward: to keep your business compliant, reduce risk, and support confident, lawful hiring practices.
How Brown Immigration Law Helps Orlando Businesses Stay Compliant
Federal law requires all employers to hire only individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This includes U.S. citizens and noncitizens with the appropriate employment authorization. But keeping up with evolving regulations can be a full-time job. Our immigration attorneys in Orlando can help.
Assistance with I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form
Form I-9 is used to verify both the identity and employment authorization of every new hire. The form is provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and must be completed during the hiring process by both the employer and the employee.
Employers are responsible for completing Section 2 of the I-9 within three business days of an employee’s start date. They are also responsible for ensuring the form is filled out correctly and on time. Failing to comply – or knowingly employing individuals without valid work authorization – can result in substantial fines or criminal penalties. Employers must retain completed I-9 forms for all current employees and keep them for at least three years after the hire date or one year after the end of employment, whichever is later.
Help with E-Verify
E-Verify is a federal online system that allows employers to confirm whether their employees are authorized to work in the U.S. The system is free to use and generally optional, although certain employers are required by law to use it – particularly those with federal contracts that include a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause.
Recordkeeping
Compliance doesn’t end once the hiring paperwork is complete. Employers are required to maintain immigration-related records for several years and update employee files if a worker’s status changes.
- When identification documents expire, re-verification may be required.
- Employers must update Section 3 of the Form I-9 when applicable.
- Note: Re-verification does not apply to unexpired green cards or to List B documents when they expire.
Fair Hiring Practices
Workplace compliance includes more than recordkeeping. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on national origin or citizenship status. That means you must treat all applicants and employees fairly during recruitment, onboarding, and training.
Government Audits
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regularly conducts audits to identify businesses employing unauthorized workers. Employers who falsify documents or knowingly hire individuals without proper authorization may face civil or criminal penalties.
ICE and other federal agencies do not need your permission to inspect immigration records, and even unintentional mistakes can result in fines or sanctions. A proactive compliance strategy can help protect your business before a review ever takes place.
Training and Legal Guidance
The best time to speak with a worksite compliance attorney is before hiring begins. At Brown Immigration Law, we can help you establish compliant hiring practices, train your staff, and respond effectively to government audits or investigations. With clear guidance up front, your HR team will be better equipped to keep your hiring practices compliant and consistent.
Additional Services for Businesses Employing Foreign Nationals
In addition to I-9 and E-Verify support, Brown Immigration Law offers a full range of compliance services tailored to businesses that employ foreign nationals.
Internal Policies and Procedures
We begin with a comprehensive review of your company’s existing policies and procedures. From there, we help you develop clear, consistent guidelines around sponsorship eligibility, aligned with your organization’s staffing goals and budget.
Visas and Employment Authorizations
We assist with securing the proper visas and employment authorization for your foreign workers. These employees may need to present a variety of documents, such as passports, green cards, or certificates of naturalization. Our attorneys ensure that your company meets all documentary requirements to avoid disruption.
Staff Training
Immigration law is constantly evolving. We provide practical training to help your HR and hiring teams stay current with regulatory changes. If your company adopts new policies, we also offer support to educate your staff and ensure ongoing compliance.
Litigation Representation
If your business is facing legal action from a federal agency, our attorneys manage the process from start to finish. This includes internal assessments, documentation, discovery, and court representation. In many cases, we’re able to resolve disputes through strategic negotiation, saving your company time, money, and disruption.
Do You Have an Immigration Attorney Near Me?
Brown Immigration Law can be found at 11 N Summerlin Avenue, Suite 225B, on the corner of E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. We’re close to the 408 and have plenty of parking available. We also have an office in Tampa as well as in Durham, NC, Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH.
Contact an Orlando Worksite Compliance Attorney for Help Today
Even well-intentioned employers can face fines or sanctions despite believing they’re fully compliant. In today’s regulatory climate, it’s more important than ever to demonstrate that your business is following the rules. Let an Orlando worksite compliance attorney help you build a diverse, legally compliant workforce. To learn more about how we can support your business, call or contact Brown Immigration Law today.
