New rules for California employers are placing them squarely in the middle of disputes between the state and federal agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In some cases, these clashes are leaving smaller companies in financial trouble and without the workers needed to continue their operations. For workers in our area, contacting a qualified Orlando immigration lawyer is the best way to correct issues with immigration status and to ensure the right to live and work in the U.S.

California Laws Intended to Protect Immigrants

California recently passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, which prohibits businesses operating in the state from allowing ICE officials into nonpublic areas of their facilities. The act also prevents companies from cooperating with ICE without a subpoena and requires them to post notices informing workers of any planned records review by ICE officials. Failure to comply with these laws could result in fines of as much as $10,000 per violation.

Employers Caught in the Middle

In response to these new legal requirements, many employers in the state of California are feeling the stress of pressure from ICE officials and the new regulations designed to protect undocumented workers in the state. Anecdotal evidence suggests that when employers post the required notices regarding ICE records review, many employees resign to avoid arrest and deportation by these officials. This can leave companies critically understaffed and subject to further actions by ICE.

Lawsuit Filed Against California

In response to the implementation of the Immigrant Worker Protection Act on January 1, 2018, the U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits against the state of California, Governor Jerry Brown and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to overturn the provisions of the act as unconstitutional and obstructive to the enforcement efforts of ICE and other federal immigration authorities. It is likely that California is only the first casualty of efforts by the Trump administration to combat sanctuary cities and to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the United States.

At Pozo Goldstein, we offer practical help for immigrants attempting to resolve their issues with ICE and other federal agencies. By choosing an Orlando immigration lawyer from our office, you can enjoy the best representation and the most effective resolution of your immigration issues. Call us today at 407-956-4359. We look forward to the opportunity to serve all your current and future immigration needs.