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Immigration Compliance: Reducing the Cost and Fear of Conducting Internal Audits Lynden D. Melmed Partner Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP June 2015 =
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About BAL 35 Years Immigration Experience 90+ Attorneys Solicitors Immigration Managers 575+ Employees AMERICAS EMEA ASIA PACIFIC
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Impediments to Internal Audits CostTimeFear
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Traditional Audit Triggers Government Investigations Internal Employee Complaint(s) Private Party Litigation
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Future: Proactive Audits Vendor requirements and credibility SEC/Investor obligations C-Suite inquiries Establish credibility with government Program enhancement
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Benefit: Control the Scope of the Inquiry Narrow the topic (i.e. visa category) that is reviewed Limit the facts (i.e. files or people) that are reviewed Spread out your review (i.e. review different parts of program in different years)
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Benefit: Control Who is Involved Identify internal partners who will work collaboratively Minimize risk that derogatory information will go beyond necessary parties Reduce timeframe to conduct the audit
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Benefit: Protect Company Counsel should play key role in creation of any document (preserve attorney-client privilege) Control format of audit results (written, verbal, level of detail) Include remedial steps in audit results
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Sample Audit: Short-Term Business Travelers Goals: Start to finish: 3 weeks Budget: price of a green card (i.e. <10k USD) Validate whether employees are complying with short-term travel rules Identify weaknesses in company policies or procedures
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Sample Audit: Short-Term Business Travelers Step #1: Scope Establish attorney role to best protect privilege Identify destination country Pull internal policy and process documents Randomly select travelers (10-15)
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Sample Audit: Short-Term Business Travelers Step #2: Factual Review Telephone interview of business travelers Review individual travel documents, if any (i.e. invitation letters) Review payroll records Communicate with managers
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Sample Audit: Short-Term Business Travelers Step #3: Policy Review Analyze the written policy and process document to determine whether gaps are addressed Determine whether employees and managers were aware of policies (i.e. training and education)
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Sample Audit: Short-Term Business Travelers Step #4: Report Summary or detailed written report May include remedial actions taken or planned Careful dissemination Telephone/In-person Briefing
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Conclusion Fastest, cheapest and easiest way to elevate your global immigration program. Peace of mind in the event there is a government investigation or internal complaint. Supports your business partners by establishing and maintaining credibility
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Questions Lynden D. Melmed Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP lmelmed@balglobal.com 202.258.7911
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