I-9 LinksOur offices periodically sends email updates to H.R. managers on immigration developments of concern. If you would like to receive these updates, please provide your email address:
The INS "Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing I-9" This was published in 1991 and has some useful information and illustrations, but has not been updated to reflect changes in law - including changes in what documentation is acceptable. It is a PDF file. I-9 Document Review, a publication of the Office of Business Liaison of the USCIS (March, 2005) discussing review standards and obligations regarding document veracity. Employer Handbook on the Hiring of
Authorized Workers, by Ann Allott The USCIS (formally INS) web site has a Frequently Asked Question section concerning I-9 compliance.
A16: Current regulations at 8 C.F.R. 274A.12(b)(20) authorize employment with the existing employer after a request for extension of H-1B status is filed. The alien in this case is employment authorized but the I-9 form contains no provision for this authorization. Employers should follow the documentation procedures they currently use for an extension of this sort. Typically, this involves attaching a copy of the receipt notice for the extension along with a copy of the alien's I-94 to the I-9 kept on file."
An example of how a document with an expiration date, might not really expire on that date - certain EAD documents have been extended by publication in the Federal Register, and a General Counsel Memo confirms the automatic extension. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has published a BACKGROUNDER on Social Security and Immigration. Sample of "No Match" letter from
Social Security Administration
Special Situations:No Social Security Number????An employee may be authorized to work without a Social Security number. In fact, the Social Security Administration has provided instructions as to how to handle an employee who has applied for a number, but not yet received it. An employee who provides a Group 1 or a Group II and Group III document must not be required to provide a Social Security document for I-9 purposes. Laminated Social Security Card???The Social Security Administration states that it is not illegal to laminate a social security card. The USCIS, in its Handbook for Employers (page 14) states that a laminated Social Security card is not acceptable to document employment authorization, if the card states "not valid if laminated." Otherwise, Social Security cards which are laminated may be accepted. (Some Social Security Cards state "do not laminate" - those may be accepted). So should you accept a laminated card? Remember, the document must appear to be genuine, as well as relate to the individual presenting it. Lamination may obscure security features on the card. If the laminated card appears suspicious, or if the back of the card is obscured, it should not be accepted. However, be certain that any policy regarding acceptance of laminated cards apply equally to all applicants - based on the card, and not on the nationality of the applicant. "Suspicion" can arise because of the condition of the card, not the appearance or accent of the applicant.
Asylees and refugees are authorized to work without EAD cards.EADs issued pursuant to a grant of Temporary Protected Status are often extended by Federal Register Notice. If the EAD shows ``274A.12(A)(12)'' or ``274A.12(C)(19)'' on the face of the card under ``Provision of Law'' then check the CIS web site to determine if an extension has been granted. As of October, 2006 certain nationals of the following countries could have TPS: Burundi:
TPS re-registration period from September 14, 2006 to November 13, 2006.
Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) auto extended through May 2,
2007. The EAD is a valid "LIST A" document. Although the expiration shown on the document may be an earlier date, Form I-9 should be completed showing an expiration of extension date. If a copy of the EAD is maintained with the I-9, please annotate it "valid through (extension date)" as per Federal Register Notice"
Citizens of Republic of Marshall Islands: "Effective May 1, 2004, employers may (and should) accept unexpired RMI And on another note.... A false claim to U.S. citizenship is a crime
and has severe immigration consequences. But what about an applicant who
checks the "citizen" block on a Form I-9? That block actually
doesn't just refer to citizens, but to citizens and nationals of the United
States. One court has reversed a conviction for making a false claim to US
citizenship because "no rational juror could find beyond a reasonable doubt that, by checking the For Discussion: Atlanta Employer Committee September 28, 2006
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