Compliance, Communication, and Response: Immigration Essentials for Restaurants

Immigration enforcement remains a heightened and evolving issue for restaurant operators. With one of the most diverse workforces in the country, restaurants must stay attentive to I9 requirements, Notices of Inspection, and other potential enforcement actions.

Join the National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center for a practical discussion led by Fisher Phillips attorneys Alden J. Parker, CoChair of the Hospitality Industry Group, and Jocelyn Campanaro, immigration and workplace compliance attorney. This session will examine compliance considerations, approaches to communicating with employees about immigration related topics, and factors to consider when responding to enforcement activity.

Designed for restaurant owners, operators, and HR professionals, this webinar offers timely insights and operational considerations relevant to today’s enforcement environment.

Please note: This webinar is closed to press.

Key Takeaways

Participants will explore:

• Understanding the enforcement landscape. Overview of common immigration enforcement scenarios affecting restaurants, including I‑9 audits and administrative inspections, as well as employer obligations and potential risks.

• Communicating effectively with employees. Considerations for calm, clear, and appropriate communication with teams about immigration enforcement and how to maintain trust without overpromising.

• Preparing your restaurant for potential enforcement. Practical steps to support readiness, including proactive I‑9 compliance reviews, developing an internal response plan, identifying trained points of contact, and understanding next steps when a Notice of Inspection is received.

• Responding during an enforcement action. Key considerations if ICE visits a restaurant, including verifying documentation, understanding employer rights, and minimizing operational disruption while remaining compliant.