The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Special Counsel (OSC) recently announced that it will be holding an OSC stakeholder input session regarding Form I-9 audits by employers on September 13th at 2:00pm EST. DOJ stated that the session will focus on guidance that it is presently drafting, “Best Practices for Employers Conducting Self-Audits of I-9 Forms.” The session will solicit public comment on areas of concern or confusion for employers engaged in self-audits, and concerns that employees or employee groups have when employers conduct audits.
To participate in the September 13th Stakeholder Input Session, dial (888) 790-2054, and use the passcode “AUDIT.”
The importance of attending this stakeholder session is to express concerns, comments and ideas related to an employer’s ability to conduct an internal self-audit of its Forms I-9, which is considered a Best Practice by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. OSC’s involvement in this area, and their consideration of issuing guidance is relevant so that employers and employees understand what is/is not appropriate when conducting self-audits so as to not fun afoul of the anti-discrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.