Immigrant employees are a critical part of today’s workforce—and many employers want to offer support while also staying in full compliance with federal immigration laws. At Knezek Law, we help businesses find that balance. Here are some straightforward, legally sound ways you can support your immigrant employees while protecting your business:
Understand and Manage I-9 Compliance
Form I-9 is a required document for all new hires in the U.S., regardless of immigration status. But simple mistakes can result in significant fines.
What You Can Do:
- Use the most recent version of the I-9 form
- Review and retain documentation properly
- Avoid asking for more documents than necessary
- Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance
Our attorneys at Knezek Law can assist you in creating or reviewing your I-9 policies to make sure they’re accurate, efficient, and legally sound.
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
Employers can legally sponsor immigrant employees for temporary or permanent work authorization through a variety of visa programs.
Examples include:
- H-1B or H1B1 visas for specialty occupations
- L-1 visas for intracompany transfers
- O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities
- Green cards through the EB-2 or EB-3 programs
At Knezek Law, we help businesses evaluate whether sponsorship makes sense, and guide them through each step of the process.
Avoid Unintentional Discrimination
Immigration compliance doesn’t mean compromising equal opportunity. Discrimination based on citizenship or national origin is prohibited by federal law.
Best Practices:
- Apply the same hiring standards to all candidates
- Don’t over-document employment authorization
- Treat all employees equally regardless of status
Our team at Knezek Law can review your employment policies and procedures to ensure you’re fostering a compliant and inclusive workplace.
Stay Prepared for Regulatory Oversight
Federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), continue to monitor workplace immigration compliance closely. While enforcement priorities may vary, ICE audits and workplace investigations remain a possibility for many employers. Staying proactive with thorough documentation, regular internal reviews, and clear communication with your employees can help your business navigate these inspections calmly and confidently.
Know When to Involve Legal Counsel
If you’re unsure about an employee’s work status, visa timeline, or your obligations as an employer—don’t guess. One misstep can lead to legal complications.
Our experienced attorneys at Knezek Law are here to offer proactive advice, help you handle time-sensitive matters, and give you clarity when immigration issues arise in your workplace.
From family businesses to multinational corporations, employers across the country turn to Knezek Law for guidance on immigration and employment matters. We help you support your workforce—legally, practically, and with confidence.
Have questions about sponsorship, compliance, or employment-based immigration?
Contact Knezek Law to schedule a consultation.