U.S. employers are being urged to bolster their hiring compliance practices as immigration enforcement activity increases under the Trump administration, with one background screening firm adding new tools to help meet demand.
Corra Group has expanded its services to include fully electronic I-9 forms, aiming to help businesses reduce errors and stay compliant as federal audits and penalties rise. The offering is integrated with E-Verify, the Department of Homeland Security’s digital employment verification system.
“With increased scrutiny on hiring practices, employers need to be proactive about ensuring their I-9 forms are completed correctly and that they’re fully prepared for potential audits,” said Nick Gustavson, cofounder of Corra Group. “Each error on a form can result in a fine up to $2,789 per violation, and knowingly employing an undocumented worker can cost up to $5,724 for a first offense.”
Sharp rise in audits and penalties expected
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audits nearly doubled during Trump’s first term, and experts expect an even more aggressive enforcement approach with his return to office. Businesses that fail to comply with employment verification requirements risk financial penalties, reputational damage, and potential legal action.
While ICE audits can occur at random, certain sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing are more likely to be targeted—especially if employers are not enrolled in E-Verify, according to guidance from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
“An audit typically happens when ICE serves you with a Notice of Inspection (NOI). The employer will then typically have three days to respond,” said Gustavson.
Common errors, compliance gaps persist
Even well-meaning employers may be at risk. According to industry experts cited by Corra Group, as many as 60% to 80% of paper-based I-9 forms are incomplete or contain errors.
Corra Group’s electronic solution is designed to address those gaps. It offers digital signatures, guided workflows, and real-time error checking. Employers can monitor deadlines, track the status of all active I-9 cases, and receive automated alerts for re-verifications. Completed forms can be submitted directly to E-Verify from the platform.
The system also creates a digital audit trail that can be used to confirm employee eligibility and demonstrate compliance in the event of an investigation.
Support for remote verification and evolving regulations
The company said it supports remote I-9 verification and offers assistance with account setup, integration with existing background screening programs, and compliance updates as federal and state laws evolve. Employers must have an active E-Verify account in good standing to use the service for remote verification.
“As we move closer to mandatory federal verification, having a streamlined, compliant system in place is no longer optional,” said Gustavson.
Corra Group has operated in the background screening sector for over two decades, offering services to clients across the U.S. and internationally.
