The new I-9 Form, which the US Citizens and Immigration Service (USCIS) published a few months ago will be required for all employers on January 22, 2017. Although not mandatory until the 22nd, the form is available online now from USCIS and may be used immediately. The I-9 Form itself may be new, with features that help employers avoid mistakes, but the risks and penalties associated with errors remain – and the threat of audit is as great now as it has ever been. President-elect Trump has promised increased diligence regarding immigration, so one can expect more aggressive enforcement. Over the past several years, fines have risen steadily and since November of 2015, have been set at between $216 and $2126 per violation. In 2014 and 2015, the aggregate cost on employers for violations was $15 million and $16 million, respectively. Penalties and fines for 2016 have not yet been totaled and released.
