The New Smart I-9 form will be effective January 21, but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will still conduct audits on the old I-9s. Over the past few years, these audits have increased from 250 in 2007 to more than 3,000 in 2012. The total cost of the 2012 fines totaled $13 million. The ICE slaps fines for I-9 violations ranging from $110-$1,100, depending on the degree of the offense and if it’s the first, second or third offense. Read here for a more detailed outline of how fines are issued and I-9 compliance is regulated. Also criminal violations can be up to six months in prison and up to $3,000 for each unauthorized alien, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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