Compliance

Immigration Compliance Services

Ogletree Deakins provides a full range of services designed to help ensure immigration compliance. Although we can and do assist employers facing a crisis situation, we focus on preventative services designed to reduce problems and risks before they occur. We offer comprehensive immigration compliance services, including:

I-9 Audits – we perform audits of I-9s, whether following notification of a government inspection or to proactively address compliance concerns;

Governmental Investigations – we have significant experience in handling investigations involving various governmental agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)), the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Actions, including on-site audits, depositions and appellate litigation.

Immigration Policy Development – we work with in-house counsel and human resources managers to develop a coherent immigration policy. Such a policy can serve as a clear guide on proper procedures and policies to all personnel as well as a mitigating factor in those situations in which government auditors are determining the amount of fines and penalties to be levied;

Compliance Training – Not only can we perform an audit, we can also provide a variety of training services, including on-site training, web-based training, handbooks, and simple guides and forms to be used by personnel responsible for I-9 completion and other immigration compliance requirements;

E-Verify Consulting – Federal and state governments are moving towards requiring E-Verify, the web-based employment verification system. Ogletree Deakins can consult with employers to ensure compliance with this expanding field;

H-1B/LCA Audits – Violations in H-1B program rules can result in financial penalties and fines in addition to program debarment and even criminal investigations. Ogletree Deakins can audit records and assist in implementing proper procedures to avoid future liability; and

Social Security No-Match Consultations – This area of immigration enforcement generates a great deal of confusion for employers and continues to be an area of concern. Ogletree Deakins’ attorneys can work with employers to establish clear protocols to deal with Social Security No-Match letters and help to prevent receipt of such letters in the future.

Ogletree Deakins’ immigration professionals have experience in all of these areas and can assist our clients in safeguarding against compliance liability.