Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a document used by employers in the United States to verify the identity and employment authorization of their employees. This process is mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) and applies to all U.S. employers, regardless of size or industry. The form requires employees to present specific documentation, such as a passport or driver’s license and Social Security card, to establish both identity and work authorization. Employers must examine these documents to ensure they appear genuine and relate to the employee presenting them. A specific, earlier version of the form was sometimes referred to with the number 1028. However, this numeric reference is obsolete, and referring to the current form as I-9 is crucial for accuracy.
Verification of employment eligibility is a critical component of maintaining a legal workforce. This process protects employers from penalties associated with hiring unauthorized workers and safeguards employment opportunities for individuals legally authorized to work in the United States. Compliance with these regulations contributes to the overall integrity of the employment system. While revisions to the form and its instructions have occurred over time to enhance clarity and security, the fundamental requirement for employers to verify employee work authorization has remained constant since IRCA’s enactment.
