Immigration resources for small businesses

We remain steadfast in our support of small business owners and entrepreneurs across Hennepin County. 

Business owners in Hennepin County are currently navigating complex requirements like Minnesota Paid Leave, I-9 compliance, responding to audits, and disruptive enforcement actions. These situations can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Essential owner rights and information

• Hennepin County federal response
• Immigration Resources / Office of Ombudsperson for Families
• Know your rights and resources - City of Minneapolis
• Personal rights for immigrants - ACLU

How to access legal advice and other support

Elevate Hennepin legal and HR advisors are available to answer questions, assist with compliance, and help business owners plan in the face of uncertainty. Other advisors can provide thought partnership and guidance to manage disruptions, communicate with staff and customers, develop new operational strategies, and continue moving forward.

Key actions to be aware of

Small businesses and other places of employment may encounter specific actions to be aware of and prepared for:

• I-9 inspections, also called I-9 audits, are an administrative inspection process conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During this process, a DHS agent may request specific business records to confirm that the business's employees have appropriate work authorization. More on I-9 Inspections
• Officials from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may come to a business with a warrant to locate or detain specific individuals or search a location. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) offers a helpful guide for steps that employers can take if immigration officials come to your workplace. NILC Guide for Employers

Other resources:

• The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office wants to help assess and address the impacts of federal actions on Minnesotans and Minnesota businesses. Report incidents or effects related to or caused by recent federal actions in Minnesota via this form.
• The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), an Elevate Hennepin advisor, has collected resources designed to support immigrant families and businesses. This list includes legal help, emergency support, food access, housing stability, mental health, and family preparedness.
• Business owners in Minneapolis can contact the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) for referrals to free legal advice from attorneys
• Minneapolis also provided the following information and resources. If you or someone you know is affected, there are resources available, including free legal clinics staffed by immigration attorneys.

• Community Clinics - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
• Clinics - Volunteer Lawyers Network
• Find resources for immigrants and refugees

This announcement will be updated with new developments and resources. Bookmark to track updates or subscribe to the Elevate Hennepin newsletter for updates in your inbox.