USCIS Form I-9 2017 is an important document in the field of human resources and immigration law in the United States. This form, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for employment in the country. It is a legal requirement for employers in the United States to complete and retain Form I-9 for each employee they hire.
The USCIS Form I-9 2017 consists of three sections and must be completed within a specific time frame after an individual is hired. Section 1 of the form requires the employee to provide personal information, including their full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and immigration status, if applicable.
Section 2 of the form is completed by the employer or an authorized representative. It involves reviewing and verifying the original documents presented by the employee to establish their identity and work eligibility. Acceptable documents include passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and certain other specified forms of identification.
In Section 3, employers are required to update the form when necessary, such as for rehires or changes in employment authorization that occur during the employee’s tenure with the company.
The USCIS Form I-9 2017 serves several important purposes. Firstly, it helps employers fulfill their legal obligations to employ only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. By verifying the identity and employment eligibility of their employees, employers can ensure compliance with federal immigration laws and avoid penalties for hiring unauthorized workers.
Secondly, the form serves as a means of preventing discrimination in the hiring process. By requiring that all employees, regardless of their national origin or immigration status, complete the same form, employers can avoid discriminatory practices based on these factors.
Moreover, the USCIS Form I-9 2017 acts as a record-keeping tool, enabling employers to maintain a complete history of their compliance with immigration laws. This documentation is crucial in case of audits or investigations by federal authorities, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
It is important to note that the USCIS Form I-9 2017 replaced its predecessor, the 2013 version of the form, on January 22, 2017. While the changes between the two versions are not significant, it is essential for employers to ensure they are using the correct form to maintain compliance with current regulations.
In conclusion, the USCIS Form I-9 2017 is a vital document in the realm of human resources and immigration law in the United States. Its purpose is to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired for employment, thus enabling employers to comply with immigration laws, prevent discrimination, and maintain thorough records. Employers must ensure they use the correct form and complete it accurately and promptly for each new employee.
