The 2019 Form I-9, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for employment in the United States. Employers are required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for each employee they hire, including U.S. citizens and non-citizens.
Purpose and Legal Requirements:
The purpose of the 2019 Form I-9 is to ensure that all individuals hired for employment have the legal right to work in the United States. By completing this form, employers demonstrate compliance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The 2019 Form I-9 is a legal document that requires employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of each new employee, as well as to reverify the employment eligibility of certain individuals when their work authorization expires. Failure to comply with the requirements of Form I-9 can result in penalties and fines for employers.
Form Components:
The 2019 Form I-9 consists of three sections. Employers must complete Section 1 of the form no later than the employee’s first day of work. This section requires the employee to provide their full legal name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number or Alien Registration number. Additionally, the employee must indicate their citizenship or immigration status and provide documents that establish their identity and employment eligibility.
Section 2 of the form must be completed by the employer within three business days of the employee’s first day of work. In this section, the employer must physically examine the original documents presented by the employee to establish their identity and work authorization. The employer must then record the document title, issuing authority, document number, and expiration date on the form.
Section 3 of the form is used for reverifying and updating employment authorization information. Employers should complete this section if an employee’s work authorization expires or if they are rehired within three years of the initial date the 2019 Form I-9 was completed.
Retention and Storage:
Employers are required to retain completed 2019 Form I-9s for as long as an individual is employed, and for a period of three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later. The forms must be available for inspection by authorized representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Recordkeeping and Documentation:
In addition to the 2019 Form I-9, employers are required to keep supporting documents provided by the employee, such as passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, or Employment Authorization Documents. These documents should be kept securely and separately from the Form I-9 to ensure compliance with privacy and recordkeeping regulations.
Conclusion:
The 2019 Form I-9 is a critical component of the employment verification process in the United States. Employers must diligently complete and retain this form for each employee to verify their identity and employment eligibility, in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Compliance with these regulations helps ensure a legal and authorized workforce, protecting both employers and employees while promoting the integrity of the nation’s employment system.
