Employers face new immigration rules
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The general counsel for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Monday said employers should follow best practices to avoid running afoul of Indiana’s new immigration law.
Beginning July 1, employers can no longer hire, recruit, or continue to employ someone who is not authorized to work in the United States. The attorney general can investigate suspected violations. A first offense will bring a warning. Subsequent offenses will be referred to the courts, which will have the option to suspend business licenses for anywhere from five business days to six months, depending on how many violations there are. In extreme cases, the courts are authorized to revoke business licenses permanently.
Adam Berry, vice president for public policy and general counsel at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is fielding questions from employers about how to comply with the law before it takes effect. He said the most common sources of questions are labor-intensive industries such as agriculture or hospitality. Berry said the law only applies to hiring practices on or after July 1. It does not go after employers for decisions they made prior to then…