The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated and audited Form I-9 documents of Infinite Visions LLC in Secaucus, New Jersey, a clothing manufacturer that produces screen print and embroidery work. The company was fined $625,000 for failure to comply with employment eligibility verification requirements. The investigation was performed after an anonymous tip alleging that the company engaged in unlawful hiring practices related to employment of illegal aliens. The review showed violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and deficiencies in the company's employment records.
Employers are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This form requires employers to review and record the individual's identity and employment eligibility document(s) and determine whether the document(s) reasonably appears to be genuine and related to the individual. Additionally, an employer must ensure that the employee provides certain information regarding his or her eligibility to work on the Form I-9.
In an initiative begun in 2009, HSI has been focusing on auditing and investigating employers suspected of knowingly employing illegal workers.