Steinle Provides I-9 Compliance Advice for Employers in Bloomberg Law

01.13.2025

Stinson LLP Partner Renée Mueller Steinle authored a column for Bloomberg Law, "Form I-9 Compliance Is Vital Given Trump's Immigration Agenda."

Steinle discusses the importance of employers proactively reviewing and strengthening compliance policies to prepare for increased immigration enforcement ahead of a second Trump administration. She says U.S. businesses should prepare for a potential surge in immigration-related audits, investigations and worksite enforcement actions.

Steinle highlights the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification as being "at the heart of U.S. immigration enforcement." She notes that President-elect Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to take a hardline approach to immigration, and says compliance and ending temporary programs are the low-hanging fruit to meet his goal. She urges employers to adopt compliance strategies, including the adoption of E-Verify, and to prepare for enforcement.

"Companies that are in targeted industries that rely on foreign national workers should start contingency planning now," Steinle says. "To avoid workforce disruptions, businesses will want to stay on high alert for immigration changes and consider alternative employment authorization options for certain vulnerable employees most likely to lose legal status."

Steinle's practice centers on corporate immigration, helping employers to recruit and hire talent by obtaining work visas and permanent residence for foreign employees. She advises on matters involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and has experience addressing temporary labor shortages through H-2B visas. Steinle also works with a variety of U.S. and multinational clients across a variety of industries.

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