logo
Immigration Audits on the Rise: ILG Helps Clients Navigate Immigration Laws Amid Crack Down on Compliance

Immigration Audits on the Rise: ILG Helps Clients Navigate Immigration Laws Amid Crack Down on Compliance

Globe and Mail04-03-2025
Immigration audits by U.S. enforcement agencies scrutinize Form I-9 employment verification records, imposing severe penalties for companies violating federal hiring laws.
As the crackdown on immigration violations intensifies under the present government, businesses across various sectors face increased scrutiny through immigration audits and compliance checks. Reports indicate that such actions could significantly impact operations in more vulnerable industries such as agriculture, meatpacking, and manufacturing.
Based in Washington, D.C., Immigration Law Group, PC (ILG) offers specialized legal services to help businesses navigate complex immigration laws and maintain compliance, providing comprehensive assistance in special visa applications, certifications to hire foreign workers, and addressing complex consular processing issues. By partnering with ILG, these entities navigate the complexities of immigration law with confidence, ensuring adherence to regulations and minimizing potential disruptions to their operations.
With the heightened Immigration and Customs enforcement actions (ICE), ILG advises businesses to implement robust compliance programs, emphasizing the importance of conducting proactive immigration compliance and staying informed about evolving immigration policies to mitigate risks associated with increased ICE raids.
According to ILG's Managing Partner Glen D. Wasserstein, recent data shows that workplace audits have increased dramatically, putting pressure on employers to maintain strict immigration compliance protocols. Many businesses also face unexpected ICE visits and raids, which can disrupt operations and lead to substantial financial and legal repercussions.
It has become common for ICE agents to appear at the work premises, requesting the employer's consent for immediate access to staff records. However, without giving a three-day notice or presenting a warrant, ICE does not have the right to interview employees or review their records. Often, these employers feel intimidated and permit ICE agents to review I-9 and payroll records or interview the employees to determine their immigration status.
'ILG provides comprehensive assistance for immigrant and non-immigrant visa filings and more. From employer compliance to family-based immigration matters, our role is to ensure businesses comply with immigration laws and adhere to employment laws. We have flat fees and an in-house system that allows the company to talk directly to lawyers without going through intermediaries,' said Wasserstein.
ILG lawyers practice exclusively in the U.S. immigration law and offer strategic immigration legal services to individuals and corporations, navigating issues ranging from Green Cards to H-1B work visas, EB5 Investor filings, and L-1 Transfer visas. Specializing in diverse industries, from IT, healthcare, biotech, education, and finance to NGOs, Immigration Law Group brings reliable and efficient legal services to a worldwide clientele.
For more information, visit https://immigrationgroup.com/
With over 25 years of experience, Wasserstein brings experience and expertise to ILG, providing businesses with critical legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal regulations and avoid potential liabilities. He specializes in E-2 Investor Visas, L-1 visas, H-1B visas, PERM/Labor Certification applications, federal litigation, and issues such as waivers of inadmissibility.
Since the founding of ILG in 1996, Wasserstein has spoken before the 10th annual United Nations Convention on Crime in Vienna, Austria, and has been interviewed by many media outlets, including CNN, ABCNews, BBC, FoxNews, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Voice of America (VOA), United Press International (UPI), and many news channels on immigration issues.
Wasserstein also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific during the 103rd Congress (1994-1995), helming international trade and immigration affairs at the sub-committee level. Admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia, he holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a law degree from American University's Washington College of Law.
Trusted for its legal expertise and support, Immigration Law Group, PC helps businesses safeguard their operations. As immigration enforcement remains a priority for the federal government, companies must be vigilant in maintaining compliance with evolving regulations. The firm's proactive approach makes it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of immigration law while minimizing potential liabilities.
About the Firm:
Immigration Law Group, PC is a Washington-based firm specializing in immigration law and compliance services. Led by Managing Partner Glen D. Wasserstein, who brings over 25 years of experience, the firm offers expert counsel on immigration audits, compliance, and ICE raid preparedness. ILG assists companies in navigating evolving federal regulations through comprehensive I-9 audits, workplace policy development, and legal representation during enforcement actions.
Media Contact
Company Name: Immigration Law Group, PC
Contact Person: Glen Wasserstein
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1 202-416-1789
Address: 1101 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 450
City: Washington
State: DC 20036
Country: United States
Website: https://immigrationgroup.com/
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE for over 3 months living a 'nightmare'
Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE for over 3 months living a 'nightmare'

CBC

timea day ago

  • CBC

Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE for over 3 months living a 'nightmare'

Paula Callejas, a Montreal native, was trying to expand her swimsuit business in Florida after taking time off to take care of her ailing father in Canada before his death. Instead of celebrating the fashion line, the Canadian was taken into United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. The 45-year-old's family said their finances are being stretched as they try to navigate the confusing and difficult legal and immigration systems in the United States. "She was very strong, very strong," said her mother Maria Estella Cano. "Now every, every day she [cries], every day and [says] she can't take it anymore." U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up deportation efforts since his return to the White House in January after successfully campaigning on a promise to take drastic actions on illegal immigration. The immigration crackdown includes controversial actions like targeting students for protesting, as well as sending people to a notorious prison in El Salvador. There has been an increase in raids by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called ICE, at restaurants and farms amid dramatic standoffs with protesters. While Trump's team have said they are targeting criminals first, they also said anyone in the country illegally will be deported. Visa extension denied over ink colour, family says Callejas was born and raised in Montreal after her family immigrated from Colombia. She started her swimsuit line in Canada around 2012 and was gaining momentum but when her father became unwell she paused her dreams to help care for him. Following her father's 2020 death, Callejas restarted her efforts to build a swimsuit company. Family said she did a few runway shows in Florida over the years and saw that there was real opportunity for her fashion line to develop in the state. She even was invited to take part in Miami Swim Week last year. She bought property in Florida, her mother said, and lived a modest life while working to build the brand. Family said they believed she was in the United States on a non-immigrant visa for people with special skills that was set to expire in March. They said she applied for an extension in February, but it was denied for a technical reason around the colour of ink used to sign the document. WATCH | Canadians in ICE detention centres left in legal limbo: What we know about Canadians in ICE detention 8 days ago Families of Canadians detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) say they're furious at the treatment of their loved ones and are fighting for their release. Multiple Canadians are currently in detention centres, according to Global Affairs Canada. Family said Callejas reapplied, thinking the issue was solved. On March 28, Callejas was arrested for battery after family said there was an altercation with her then-boyfriend. Family say Callejas maintains her innocence in the situation and said she was defending herself. After posting bail, her family said Callejas was taken into ICE custody. An ICE spokesperson said Callejas entered the United States on a non-immigrant visitor visa and violated the terms of her admission. ICE said she will "remain in custody pending completion of her immigration proceedings." Cano said her daughter's detainment has been a "nightmare" for the family. "Every time I open my eyes, it is not real life," Cano said, holding back tears. Family said Callejas has been transferred to at least three different facilities. Finances are being exhausted as they try to get legal representation. They said it cost US$5,000 just for one lawyer to submit paperwork. As Callejas spends more time in detention, her mental health is also suffering, family said. Canos said she wants her daughter to be able to have a fair chance to defend herself in court. Her next appearance for the criminal charge is on Monday. Cano said when that is resolved they want Callejas to leave the United States on her own accord so that she can finish her visa application from Canada and continue her dreams of a swimwear line. Global Affairs Canada said it could not provide information about particular cases because of privacy concerns. Around 55 Canadians in detention, ICE says The department said on June 27 it was aware of about 55 Canadians detained by ICE. The number of cases has remained relatively stable in recent months, it said, however it fluctuates as cases are resolved and new cases arise. Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, died in ICE custody in South Florida in June. Noviello was being detained pending removal from the U.S., officials said. He entered the U.S. in 1988 on a legal visa and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. He was convicted of drug trafficking and other charges in 2023 and sentenced to a year in prison, officials said. Noviello was picked up by ICE agents at his probation office last month and charged with removability because of his drug conviction, authorities said.

Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'
Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'

Edmonton Journal

timea day ago

  • Edmonton Journal

Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'

Paula Callejas was trying to expand her swimsuit business in Florida after taking time off to take care of her ailing father in Canada before his death. Instead of celebrating the fashion line, the Canadian was taken into United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. Article content The 45-year-old's family said their finances are being stretched as they try to navigate the confusing and difficult legal and immigration systems in the United States. Article content Article content 'She was very strong, very strong,' said her mother Maria Estella Cano. 'Now every, every day she (cries), every day and (says) she can't take it anymore.' Article content The immigration crackdown includes controversial actions like targeting students for protesting, as well as sending people to a notorious prison in El Salvador. There has been an increase in raids by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called ICE, at restaurants and farms amid dramatic standoffs with protesters. Article content While Trump's team have said they are targeting criminals first, they also said anyone in the country illegally will be deported. Article content Article content Callejas was born and raised in Montreal after her family immigrated from Colombia. She started her swimsuit line in Canada around 2012 and was gaining momentum but when her father became unwell she paused her dreams to help care for him. Article content Article content Article content Following her father's 2020 death, Callejas restarted her efforts to build a swimsuit company. Family said she did a few runway shows in Florida over the years and saw that there was real opportunity for her fashion line to develop in the state. She even was invited to take part in Miami Swim Week last year. Article content She bought property in Florida, her mother said, and lived a modest life while working to build the brand. Article content Family said they believed she was in the United States on a non-immigrant visa for people with special skills that was set to expire in March. They said she applied for an extension in February, but it was denied for a technical reason around the colour of ink used to sign the document.

Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'
Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'

Vancouver Sun

timea day ago

  • Vancouver Sun

Family of Montreal woman detained by ICE says it's a 'nightmare'

Paula Callejas was trying to expand her swimsuit business in Florida after taking time off to take care of her ailing father in Canada before his death. Instead of celebrating the fashion line, the Canadian was taken into United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. The 45-year-old's family said their finances are being stretched as they try to navigate the confusing and difficult legal and immigration systems in the United States. 'She was very strong, very strong,' said her mother Maria Estella Cano. 'Now every, every day she (cries), every day and (says) she can't take it anymore.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up deportation efforts since his return to the White House in January after successfully campaigning on a promise to take drastic actions on illegal immigration. The immigration crackdown includes controversial actions like targeting students for protesting, as well as sending people to a notorious prison in El Salvador. There has been an increase in raids by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called ICE, at restaurants and farms amid dramatic standoffs with protesters. While Trump's team have said they are targeting criminals first, they also said anyone in the country illegally will be deported. Callejas was born and raised in Montreal after her family immigrated from Colombia. She started her swimsuit line in Canada around 2012 and was gaining momentum but when her father became unwell she paused her dreams to help care for him. Following her father's 2020 death, Callejas restarted her efforts to build a swimsuit company. Family said she did a few runway shows in Florida over the years and saw that there was real opportunity for her fashion line to develop in the state. She even was invited to take part in Miami Swim Week last year. She bought property in Florida, her mother said, and lived a modest life while working to build the brand. Family said they believed she was in the United States on a non-immigrant visa for people with special skills that was set to expire in March. They said she applied for an extension in February, but it was denied for a technical reason around the colour of ink used to sign the document. Family said Callejas reapplied, thinking the issue was solved. On March 28, Callejas was arrested for battery after family said there was an altercation with her then-boyfriend. Family say Callejas maintains her innocence in the situation and said she was defending herself. Paula Callejas in the custody of ICE since April, her family spent thousands of dollars on lawyer fees and had been travelling to the U.S. for years as she grew her swimsuit business. After posting bail, her family said Callejas was taken into ICE custody. An ICE spokesperson said Callejas entered the United States on a non-immigrant visitor visa and violated the terms of her admission. ICE said she will 'remain in custody pending completion of her immigration proceedings.' Cano said her daughter's detainment has been a 'nightmare' for the family. 'Every time I open my eyes, it is not real life,' Cano said, holding back tears. Family said Callejas has been transferred to at least three different facilities. Finances are being exhausted as they try to get legal representation. They said it cost US$5,000 just for one lawyer to submit paperwork. As Callejas spends more time in detention, her mental health is also suffering, family said. Canos said she wants her daughter to be able to have a fair chance to defend herself in court. Her next appearance for the criminal charge is on Monday. Cano said when that is resolved they want Callejas to leave the United States on her own accord so that she can finish her visa application from Canada and continue her dreams of a swimwear line. Global Affairs Canada said it could not provide information about particular cases because of privacy concerns. The department said on June 27 it was aware of about 55 Canadians detained by ICE. The number of cases has remained relatively stable in recent months, it said, however it fluctuates as cases are resolved and new cases arise. Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, died in ICE custody in South Florida in June. Noviello was being detained pending removal from the U.S., officials said. He entered the U.S. in 1988 on a legal visa and became a lawful permanent resident in 1991. He was convicted of drug trafficking and other charges in 2023 and sentenced to a year in prison, officials said. Noviello was picked up by ICE agents at his probation office last month and charged with removability because of his drug conviction, authorities said. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said on social media at the time that 'Canadian consular officials are urgently seeking more information from U.S. officials.' Today, the Government of Canada was notified of the death of a Canadian citizen while in custody in the United States. Canadian consular officials are urgently seeking more information from US officials. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. In order to respect the… Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store