HR Dive Quotes Doug Kauffman on I-9 Form Compliance Risks and Employer Liability Amid Increased Federal Scrutiny

Doug Kauffman, partner in the firm’s Birmingham office and member of the Labor and Employment Practice, was quoted by HR Dive about the heightened scrutiny of I-9 form compliance and the risks employers face with noncompliant electronic systems. 

In the article published on February 3, 2025, Doug shared insights about how employers can proactively vet their I-9 form vendors, keeping a focus on compliance with DHS regulations.

Doug noted that the risk of an I-9 audit finding errors exists even if an employee is authorized to work in the U.S, explaining a system can still be deemed noncompliant.
Doug told HR Dive as he helps employers choose between different I-9 venders, he is “always looking at the regs every time.” 

He evaluates how vendors support their clients during an ICE audit, ensuring they have clear processes and procedures in place to provide the required materials, such as audit trails, within the three-business-day deadline.

“If we’re not able to provide it to ICE, it doesn’t do us much good,” HR Dive quoted Doug as saying. 

Doug Kauffman helps employers manage their most valuable assets —their employees. For more than 30 years, he has counseled large and small employers, helping them stay up to date on the law, regulations, and best practices with respect to employment compliance. When issues arise in the workplace, Doug provides real-time solutions. He also handles complaints or audits by various government agencies, such as the EEOC, the Department of Labor, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he litigates all employment issues in court. Well respected on both sides of the table, Doug is frequently invited to speak at seminars sponsored by government agencies. 

Doug is consistently recognized by Chambers USA as a top Labor & Employment lawyer and was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as Best of the Bar in 2021.