BOSSIER PARISH, LA – With increased national attention on identifying and removing undocumented workers, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington is calling on local business owners to take proactive steps to ensure compliance with federal employment laws.
In a recent advisory to Bossier Parish businesses, Sheriff Whittington outlined the legal responsibilities of employers under federal law, emphasizing the importance of hiring only individuals authorized to work in the United States.
“The legal and financial risks of employing undocumented workers are too significant to ignore,” said Whittington. “We want our local businesses to be informed and equipped to protect themselves through lawful hiring practices.”
Legal Overview and Penalties
Under U.S. immigration law, employers are prohibited from knowingly hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers. Violations can result in severe civil and criminal penalties:
- Civil Fines: Range from $627 to $5,016 per unauthorized worker for first offenses, with fines increasing to as much as $25,076 for repeat violations.
- Criminal Penalties: Employers may face up to six months in prison and a $3,000 fine per unauthorized employee if found to be engaging in a pattern of non-compliant hiring.
- Additional Consequences: Businesses risk losing their licenses, facing disqualification from government contracts, and undergoing IRS and Department of Labor audits.
Steps for Employers
Sheriff Whittington outlined a series of recommended actions for business owners who may be concerned about employment eligibility within their organizations:
- Review I-9 Forms: Ensure all Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) documents are accurately completed and maintained.
- Consult Legal Counsel: Engage a qualified immigration attorney for professional advice and compliance strategy.
- Cease Unauthorized Employment: Federal law mandates the termination of employees found to be unauthorized to work.
- Support Employee Legal Pathways: Encourage and assist workers in seeking legal guidance to explore possible immigration remedies.
- Implement Internal Compliance Policies: Create procedures for regular audits and staff training related to employment verification.
- Utilize E-Verify: Adopt the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to confirm employee eligibility.
A Preventative Approach
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is encouraging early, voluntary compliance as a way to avoid more serious legal consequences.
“Addressing these issues now—before they result in costly fines or criminal charges—serves the best interest of every business in our community,” Whittington emphasized.
Employers seeking more information about compliance or federal verification systems can visit www.e-verify.gov.
For questions or concerns related to local enforcement and employment eligibility, businesses are encouraged to contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.