Glossary > Employment Law > Immigration And Work Authorization > Employer Responsibilities For Immigrant Workers

I-9 Verification

I-9 Verification is the process where employers confirm the identity and work authorization of their employees by completing Form I-9, a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form ensures that employees are legally allowed to work in the United States.

Example #1

When a new employee is hired, the employer provides them with Form I-9 to fill out. The employee must present acceptable documents to prove their identity and eligibility to work, such as a U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card.

Example #2

During a routine audit, an employer discovers that some employees' Form I-9s are missing or incomplete. The employer must rectify the errors and ensure all employees' work authorization is properly documented.

Misuse

Misusing I-9 Verification can occur when an employer discriminates against an employee based on their citizenship status or requires specific documents beyond what is legally required. This misuse can lead to unfair treatment of immigrant workers, violating their rights and potentially resulting in legal consequences for the employer.

Benefits

The benefit of I-9 Verification is that it helps prevent unauthorized employment and ensures that all workers hired by a company are legally allowed to work in the U.S. This process safeguards the rights of immigrant workers and helps maintain compliance with immigration laws, promoting a fair and transparent work environment.

Conclusion

It is crucial to uphold the integrity of I-9 Verification to protect the rights of immigrant workers, prevent discrimination, and maintain a level playing field in the labor market.