What do the immigration rules mean to employers?
Beginning in 1986, employers were enlisted as the first round of defense against illegal immigrants working in the U.S.A. In addition to the standard new employee forms most companies require, a form called the I-9 was created. All employers were required to check job applicants’ identities and work status before hiring. Since then, the form, the I-9 regulations, the acceptable forms of ID and the penalties for not following the rules have all changed significantly. With today’s steep fines and penalties, coupled with stepped-up enforcement of I-9 compliance, it’s more essential than ever that employers understand exactly what’s required of them when they hire new employees.
