Chicago Corporate Compliance Lawyers

Hiring an employee triggers many obligations under U.S. law. For example, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and must also register with the state agency that administers the unemployment insurance program in their jurisdiction. An issue that may not be as readily apparent to employers is compliance with U.S. immigration law. Of particular importance are the provisions that require employers to verify their employee’s identity and also to establish that a worker is eligible to work in the United States. Other provisions also prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on their national origin, citizenship, or immigration status, or hiring, recruiting for a fee, or referring individuals the employer is aware are unauthorized to work in the United States.

When those obligations are managed well, they become part of a sound business practice. When they are overlooked, they can quickly become a liability.

Corporate immigration compliance is about more than checking a few boxes. It involves making sure your verification process is consistent, your records hold up under scrutiny, and your HR team knows how to handle situations that are not always straightforward. From I-9 compliance and worksite enforcement readiness to sponsored-worker obligations and internal audits, there is more to manage than most employers realize.

An Immigration Firm Genuinely Invested in Your Business

Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC has practiced immigration and nationality law since 1974. For more than fifty years, our firm has helped employers across the country not only hire foreign talent, but build compliant hiring practices, respond to government enforcement actions, and navigate the rules that govern a lawful workforce.

We work with businesses at every stage, whether you are building a compliance program from the ground up, addressing gaps discovered during a records review, or dealing with the immediate pressure of a government inquiry. Our team brings industry experience, practical judgment, and a direct communication style to every matter you may be facing.

Clients We Serve

We help businesses of all kinds strengthen their immigration compliance and respond to enforcement concerns, including:

• Businesses that hire employees regularly and want to make sure their I-9s, verification steps, and recordkeeping are handled correctly.
• HR directors who have discovered missing forms, incomplete information, or other paperwork errors and want to correct them the right way.
• Businesses that just received a government notice, document request, or other contact, and need to know what is being reviewed and how to respond.
• Companies confirming that their teams are checking work authorization properly, without asking for the wrong documents or creating a risk of discrimination complaints.
• Businesses that have already sponsored H-1B employees but are unsure whether they are meeting the ongoing wage, notice, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Enterprises that are merging, being acquired, or changing ownership.

If you are uncertain what your business may need help with, our team can assess your situation and guide your next steps in staying compliant with immigration law.

How Corporate Immigration Compliance Works

Employer compliance touches nearly every stage of hiring and employment. The right approach depends on your industry, your workforce, and where your current process stands. During a consultation, our attorneys can review your situation and help you understand your obligations and any areas of risk.

I-9 Compliance and Employment Verification

The Department of Homeland Security remains focused on corporate compliance with immigration regulations to ensure that companies maintain proper H-1B files, I-9 forms, and other documents required to employ eligible employees. Compliance has become increasingly complex, where employers need to balance corporate compliance requirements with the possibility of employment discrimination based on national origin.

Non-compliance with I-9 requirements can result in serious sanctions, including civil fines, criminal penalties, exclusion from government contracts, or court orders requiring payment of back pay or the hiring of a particular individual. As a result, it is extremely important for employers to discuss their hiring practices with an experienced lawyer. Our team can help you build a reliable verification process and correct any existing issues the right way.

Internal Audits and Self-Assessment

A proactive internal audit is one of the most effective ways to find and fix problems before the government does. We help review your I-9s and recordkeeping practices, identify gaps, and guide appropriate corrections. Catching an error early is almost always easier and less costly than addressing it under enforcement pressure.

Worksite Enforcement and Government Investigations

If you receive a Notice of Inspection, subpoena, or other government contact, timing and accuracy matter as you respond. We help you understand what is being requested, what you are required to provide, and how to respond in a measured, well-organized way. Having experienced legal guidance during an investigation can make a meaningful difference in how the process unfolds.

H-1B and Sponsored-Worker Compliance

Sponsoring H-1B employees carries ongoing responsibilities, including wage requirements, public access files, notice obligations, and recordkeeping. These duties do not end once a petition is approved. We help you confirm that your continuing obligations are being met and address concerns tied to business changes such as mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring.

Policy, Training, and Practical Guidance

Strong compliance depends on the people who handle hiring every day. We provide practical guidance and training so your HR team understands how to complete verification correctly, avoid discrimination pitfalls, and maintain clean records going forward. Clear internal policies help you stay consistent as your workforce grows.

What Sets KB&A Apart

• Fifty Years of Dedicated Experience: Since 1974, we have helped businesses of all sizes manage their immigration obligations as part of our practice.
• Thorough Readiness and Response: Whether you want to get ahead of a potential problem or respond effectively to a Notice of Inspection, we bring the same level of preparation to it all.
• Practical Training and Guidance: We do not just hand over a policy document. We work with your staff so they understand how to apply these rules correctly in real situations.
• Attorneys Who Speak Plainly: Immigration compliance rules can be challenging to understand. We explain them in terms your operations team can understand and act on.
• A Reputation Built on Results: Our clients return and refer because we show up prepared, communicate clearly, and follow through.

Here to Help You Build a Compliance Program That Works

Employers who violate U.S. immigration law during the hiring process or at other times during the course of employment are subject to significant sanctions that could have an impact on the overall success of their business. Consequently, all employers should discuss their employment practices with an attorney familiar with United States immigration law as it applies to workers. Trust the firm that has been helping employers and employees navigate issues related to immigration for more than 50 years.

To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at 312-332-2550. We are ready to help you hire with confidence, handle government inquiries with clarity, and stay ahead of policy changes and complicated regulations.

FAQs About Corporate Compliance