Wall Street Journal (05/03/12) Miriam Jordan

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ordered 500 businesses “of all sizes and types” to submit their Forms I-9 and other hiring records for inspection. The order is part of DHS’ efforts to crack down on firms that hire illegal immigrants. Over the past three-and-a-half years, the Obama administration has audited more than 7,500 firms suspected of hiring illegal immigrants and imposed about $100 million in fines.

“The expanding rate and reach of I-9 audits is starting to chip away at the perception that only the most egregious employers are at risk of an enforcement action by ICE,” says Julie Myers, who was Immigration and Customs Enforcement chief during the Bush administration. “Companies in all industries need to be vigilant.”