Indiana AG Sues Berry Global Over Immigration Compliance
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued Berry Global Group Inc. in July 2026 in a case that puts a major U.S. employer's immigration compliance under a legal microscope. For immigrant workers at large companies, an AG lawsuit can trigger audits, re-verification demands, and sudden job loss — even for those with valid work permits. The outcome could affect how aggressively other states pursue similar corporate enforcement actions.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed a lawsuit against Berry Global Group Inc. in July 2026. The case — Rokita v. Berry Global Group Inc. — puts a major U.S. employer under legal scrutiny over immigration-related compliance. For immigrant workers at large companies, this case is a reminder that employer practices can directly affect their jobs and legal status.
What This Case Means for Immigrant Workers
When a state attorney general sues a corporation over immigration compliance, workers at that company can face sudden I-9 audits (the federal form employers use to verify that every employee is legally allowed to work in the U.S.), re-verification requests, or even termination. Employees are sometimes caught in the middle — even those with valid work permits (called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) or H-1B visas. Losing a job tied to a visa or work permit can trigger serious immigration consequences, including loss of status.
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Indiana has been one of the more aggressive states on employer-side immigration enforcement under AG Rokita. A lawsuit against a company of Berry Global's size signals that state-level enforcement actions are not limited to small businesses. Immigrant employees at large manufacturers and corporations face the same risks as those at smaller employers when their company comes under legal pressure.
What to Do
- Check that your work authorization documents — EAD, H-1B approval notice, or green card — are current and not close to expiring. If a renewal is due, start the process early.
- If your employer asks you to re-verify your work authorization, you have the right to present any document from the I-9 acceptable documents list — you do not have to show a specific document your employer requests.
- If you receive a termination notice or your employer says your work authorization is in question, contact an immigration lawyer before signing anything or agreeing to leave voluntarily.
- Keep copies of all your immigration documents — visa approvals, EAD cards, I-94 records — in a safe place outside of work.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Immigration Court Rulings”.
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When an employer comes under state or federal immigration scrutiny, workers with valid status are still at risk of being caught in re-verification sweeps or wrongful termination. Under federal law, an employer cannot demand specific documents during I-9 re-verification — you choose which acceptable documents to present. If you receive any notice questioning your work authorization, do not resign and do not sign a separation agreement without first consulting an immigration attorney who can assess whether your status is actually at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose my work visa or EAD if my employer is sued over immigration compliance?
Your visa or EAD is tied to USCIS, not to your employer's legal troubles. However, if you lose your job because of the lawsuit, an H-1B holder, for example, has a short grace period (generally 60 days) to find a new sponsor or change status before falling out of legal status. Act quickly and consult an immigration lawyer.
What is an I-9 audit and what are my rights during one?
An I-9 audit is when the government or a state authority reviews an employer's Form I-9 records — the forms used to verify every employee's right to work in the U.S. During re-verification, you have the right to choose which documents from the official acceptable documents list you present. Your employer cannot demand a specific document, such as a green card, if you have other valid proof of work authorization.
What should I do if my employer suddenly questions my work authorization?
Do not resign and do not sign any paperwork until you speak with an immigration attorney. Ask your employer to put any concerns in writing. Gather your current immigration documents — EAD, visa approval, I-94 — and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting fast protects your options.
Does a state AG lawsuit against my employer affect my green card application?
It can, if your green card application (Form I-485, the application for a green card from inside the U.S.) is employer-sponsored and you lose your job as a result. A terminated job offer can invalidate a pending employer-sponsored petition in some cases. Talk to an immigration attorney immediately if your sponsoring employer faces legal action.