As Immigration Reform Reaches Critical Mass - Employers Need to be Prepared

HOUSTON, June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacob M. Monty, managing partner of Houston-based Monty & Ramirez LLP  recently wrote "The Gringo's Guide to Immigration Reform for Employers." The guide is a best-practice-driven survival manual directed at employers with large Hispanic workforces who want to avoid pitfalls and costly penalties now, while putting their company in a strong, competitive position if immigration reform passes.

Having already cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee, immigration reform moves closer to passage. This book clears up the confusion and misinformation circulating among business owners about current compliance laws and upcoming changes, and spells out what they need to do to get ready for immigration reform.

"We're excited about comprehensive immigration reform because it will expand the available workforce and decrease the hiring of unauthorized workers," said Monty. "However, companies have to avoid common missteps with respect to the new I-9 form such as improper preparation, verification and handling of documents."

Worksite related employment fines, the guide contends, are quickly becoming a priority for Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). In 2012, ICE made 520 criminal arrests and issued a record 3,004 Notices of Inspection to employers. ICE monetary fines have grown from $1 million in 2009 to $13 million in 2012.

Additionally, in just the first few months of 2013 the Department of Labor (DOL) has also become more aggressive, and recently the DOL, ICE and the IRS have started to work together, leading to increased audits and investigations. And while the former administration cracked down on undocumented immigrant employees at the worksite, the book asserts the current administration's policy is to directly target employers.

"So now, more than ever," states Monty, "companies need to stay in compliance. That's why we've written this book, which we believe is essential reading for employers."

Here are just five things "The Gringo's Guide to Immigration Reform for Employers" succinctly explains that employers must understand now to be ready for immigration reform:

1. How to keep the I-9 forms in compliance;
2. How to keep Pay Practices legal and in order;
3. Knowing the importance of Notario fraud;
4. The importance of being the Best Source of Immigration Reform information for employees;
5. Preparing for "Obamacare" in light of immigration reform and special issues affecting Latino workforces.

"Comprehensive immigration reform stands to grow the U.S. economy by $1.5 trillion over 10 years, be a real boost to businesses, and keep thousands of families together," says Monty. "But in order to survive, employers have to remain informed and prepared. Employees will seek answers, and companies simply can't afford to be in the dark. As we often say around Monty & Ramirez, 'Forewarned is forearmed.'"

"The Gringo's Guide to Immigration Reform for Employers" is available at: www.montyramirezlaw.com, on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. For further questions or comments, please call:  281-493-5529.

About Monty & Ramirez LLP
Houston-based Monty & Ramirez LLP is a minority-owned law firm representing public and private sector businesses and organizations in matters involving employment, labor and immigration compliance. The firm also maintains a full-service business immigration practice representing companies and individuals alike. Practice areas include: Labor & Employment, General Litigation, Immigration Compliance, Business Immigration Practice and Hispanic Workforce Services.

SOURCE Monty & Ramirez LLP