Event Details

Program

As an HR professional, completing I-9 forms correctly is crucial to avoid legal issues and fines for your company. Whether you are new to this or experienced, it's important to understand how to complete the forms properly and collect all the required documents in the right manner. Carolyn O’Connor, ILS Program Manager for Esperanza Legal Assistance Center in Moline, IL, will provide an overview on the I-9 form, including reviewing the changes and additions that were enacted in August 2023. She will also discuss some of the new streamlined processes and options through the E-Verify system.

Speaker

Carolyn O’Connor is the Immigration Legal Services Program Manager at Esperanza Legal Assistance Center (a ministry of Heritage Church) and has been a DOJ Accredited Representative for seven years. She has successfully handled over 1,500 immigration matters before the US Department of Homeland Security and has guided countless individuals through the immigration process. In addition, she also serves as the Missions Pastor at Heritage Church. Previously, Carolyn worked as an HR professional in municipal government, providing support and assistance to the HR Department leadership. She also served as the Office Manager and HR Expert for a local church. Through her work, she has gained a unique understanding of the importance of knowledgeable and trained staff in Human Resources. This is essential to advise and guide companies to avoid legal liabilities effectively. Carolyn emphasizes that it is not just about making things legal, as one of her supervisors once said, but also about ensuring that organizations operate legally to avoid issues and challenges managing their greatest resource - people. Doing so helps companies stay focused on their purpose and avoid distractions.