Filling out Form I-9

At the NLC reference desk we get chats, emails and calls fairly often from businesses looking for online copies of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Since 1986 Congress has passed three acts relating to illegal immigration, resulting in requirements that employers  only hire individuals who may legally work in the U.S.  To comply with the law employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of everyone they hire, complete and retain a Form I-9, and refrain from discriminating against individuals on the basis of national origin or citizenship.   There are sanctions for employers who do not comply.   Needless to say this is a challenge,   and  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has created a 66-page Handbook for Employers .  The Handbook  includes detailed intructions for filling out the form  and for photocopying and retaining forms and supporting documentation.  Information on penalties for unlawful descrimination, instructions for farm labor recruiters,  and a Question & Answer section are also included.  Another section explains using  E-Verify, the web-based verification companion to Form I-9.   Employers must create a “case” in E-Verify for each new hire. Downloadable English and Spanish versions of Form I-9 and the Handbook for Employers are available on the  USCIS website .  Print forms and Handbooks can be requested by calling 1-800-870-3676.  The Library Commission has a print copy of the Handbook available for loan by contacting us at nlc.ask@nebraska.gov or calling 800-307-2665 (Nebraska only) or 402-471-4016.