Why is September 8, 2009 important to many HR managers? After this date the government will require certain federal contractors to use E-Verify to confirm that new hires are eligible to work in the United States. The government wants verification that it does business with companies who hire legally-approved workers.

Employment eligibility is not a new topic, as many companies have received fines and in some cases prison sentences for knowingly employing illegal citizens. The recent economic downturn has increased focus on employment eligibility.

If your competition has employees who are illegal, that means your competition likely pays its workforce less, allowing them to provide their services at a cheaper cost. And while our market is built on competition, this allows your competition to have an unfair advantage.

With E-Verify, the government hopes to level the playing field in this difficult economy. Yet proper work documentation extends well beyond companies seeking federal contracts. As part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is auditing industries known to hire undocumented workers. For companies that are uncertain about their compliance, many are turning to experienced immigration attorneys.

Not all immigration issues are the same. If you have multiple employees or workers you would like to hire, you need an attorney familiar with immigration law. Their advice will enable you make the right decision and save you time.

Hiring decisions involve many issues, yet they must be made quickly to keep your company competitive. By partnering with an immigration attorney, you help your company make the right decisions, move your business forward and avoid costly mistakes.

Your workers are the most important asset at your company. Protect this investment by partnering with an immigration attorney who will provide objective recommendations.