Title: New i-9 Rules Require Passport for Employment Verification
In a move aimed at improving immigration compliance and reducing instances of identity fraud, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new rule regarding the use of passports for employment verification purposes on the Form I-9. Employers are now required to accept passports as a List A document for establishing an employee’s identity and employment authorization.
The Form I-9 is a crucial document that all employers in the United States must complete for each employee hired, including citizens and non-citizens. It is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the country. Employers are required to review and verify the documents presented by employees to establish their identity and work eligibility.
Previously, the Form I-9 allowed for the use of various identity and work authorization documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, social security cards, and birth certificates. However, the expanded use of passports as a List A document is seen as a significant step toward strengthening the employment verification process and combating identity fraud.
According to the USCIS, the passport is considered to be a secure and reliable document that provides sufficient evidence of an individual’s identity and work authorization. By requiring the use of passports as a primary identity document for employment verification, the USCIS aims to enhance the integrity of the Form I-9 process and ensure that only individuals authorized to work in the U.S. are employed.
Employers are now required to accept passports as a List A document, along with other documents such as permanent resident cards and employment authorization documents, for completing the Form I-9. This change applies to both new employees completing the form for the first time and existing employees requiring reverification of their work authorization.
The new rule has implications for employers across various industries, as they must now adapt their onboarding processes to comply with the updated Form I-9 requirements. Employers are encouraged to review their existing Form I-9 procedures and update their documentation policies to ensure compliance with the new rule.
In addition to the use of passports as a List A document, the USCIS has also introduced enhanced security features and safeguards to prevent document fraud and identity theft. These include updated Form I-9 instructions, guidance on proper document examination, and training resources for employers to verify the authenticity of identity documents.
The USCIS has emphasized the importance of employers maintaining accurate and up-to-date Form I-9 records to demonstrate their compliance with immigration laws and regulations. Failure to comply with the Form I-9 requirements can result in penalties and fines for employers, as well as potential legal consequences for hiring unauthorized workers.
Employers are advised to familiarize themselves with the new Form I-9 rule and ensure that they are following the proper procedures for verifying the identity and work authorization of their employees. By incorporating passports as a primary identity document for employment verification, employers can enhance the integrity of their hiring processes and reduce the risk of identity fraud in the workplace.
Overall, the new i-9 rule requiring passports for employment verification represents a significant step toward improving immigration compliance and strengthening the verification process for employees. Employers are urged to stay informed about the latest developments in Form I-9 requirements and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the new rules. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to a more secure and transparent employment environment for all individuals in the U.S.
