All businesses are required to have I-9 forms on file for their employees. This is a form that verifies the employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
If you are a business owner, it is important to understand why this form is necessary and what steps you need to take to ensure that your business is compliant with immigration laws.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of I-9 forms and provide some tips on how to keep your business in compliance with the law.
What is a I-9 form?
The I-93 form, Employment Eligibility Verification, is used by employers to verify that an employee is authorized to work in the United States. The form must be completed by all employees hired after November 1986.
The form requires the employee to provide certain information, such as their name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and citizenship status. The employer must also provide information about the job, such as the job title and duties.
When is an I-9 form used?
An I-93 form must be completed for all new employees during the hiring process. The form must be completed and signed by both the employer and employee.
The employee must complete the form before their first day of work. The employer must keep the form on file for all employees.
How does the I-9 form connect with immigration law?
The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 requires employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of all individuals they hire. The I-9 is one way to comply with this law.
The reasons businesses need to have I-9 forms on file are twofold:
● To prevent the hiring of unauthorized workers. By ensuring that all employees have a valid I-9 form on file, businesses can avoid penalties for hiring unauthorized workers.
● To protect against discrimination claims. Having I-9 forms on file can help businesses defend against discrimination claims based on an individual’s national origin or citizenship status.
What is business immigration?
Business immigration is the process of obtaining authorization from the government to hire foreign workers. The United States offers several visa programs that allow businesses to temporarily or permanently employ foreign workers in a variety of occupations.
The most common business immigration visas are:
● H-lB visas for temporary skilled workers
● L-l visas for executives and managers of multinational companies
● E-l visas for treaty traders and investors
● O-l visas for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement
The I-9 form is used for verifying the identity and employment eligibility of people hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-90 for each person they hire.
Why is it important for businesses to have I-9 forms on file?
There are a few reasons why it is important for businesses to have I-9 forms on file for their employees. First, it is required by law. If an employer does not have a completed I-9 form on file for an employee, they may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.
Second, the I-9 form helps employers verify that their employees are authorized to work in the United States. This is important because it helps ensure that businesses are not hiring unauthorized workers.
Finally, having I-9 forms on file can help businesses avoid liability if an employee is later found to be unauthorized to work in the United States.
Overall, it is important for businesses to have I-9 forms on file for their employees in order to comply with the law and avoid potential penalties or liabilities.
What are the penalties for not having I-9 forms?
If an employer does not have I-9 forms on file for their employees, they may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.
The civil penalties can range from $110 to $1100 per unauthorized worker. The criminal penalties can be much more severe, including fines and imprisonment.
Therefore, it is important for businesses to have I-9 forms on file in order to avoid any potential penalties.
What should you do if you don’t have I-9 forms for your employees?
If you are an employer and do not have I-9 forms on file for your employees, you should contact an experienced immigration attorney to help you comply with the law and avoid any potential penalties.
An experienced immigration attorney can help you determine which employees need I-9 forms and can assist you in completing the forms correctly.
Patricia Elizee is an immigration and family law attorney. She is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm. 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. 305-371-8846.