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Businesses Warned to Verify Worker Status or Face Penalties
17 Nov
Summary
- Hiring undocumented workers can lead to civil fines up to $28,000
- Repeated violations may result in up to 6 months in jail
- Employers have a defense if they made a good-faith effort to verify status
As of November 17th, 2025, employers in the United States are being warned to thoroughly verify the legal status of their workers or face significant penalties. According to legal experts, it is illegal to knowingly hire someone who is undocumented, and the same applies if an employer later discovers a worker's undocumented status but keeps them on.
The penalties for such violations can be severe. Civil fines can range from around $700 to nearly $28,000, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. In cases where a "pattern or practice" of hiring undocumented workers is identified, employers could even face up to 6 months in jail.
However, there is a defense for employers who make a genuine, good-faith effort to confirm a worker's legal status, even if they ultimately get it wrong. Businesses that employ large numbers of people are being urged to ensure their hiring practices are in compliance with the law to avoid potential consequences.
While individual homeowners hiring help around the house are technically subject to the same rules, legal experts say they have never seen such individuals charged for employing undocumented workers in a personal capacity.
