Immigration & the Law: Resources for Employers
Federal News
SEE ALSO: NRA Public Policy Issue Brief on immigration reform
DHS to Issue New "No-Match" Rules -- Jan. 15, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security says it plans to publish new rules for businesses in early 2008 on the steps employers should take when they receive "no-match" notices from the federal government about mismatches between employee names and Social Security numbers. The new proposal comes after a federal court in October struck down the DHS's original "no-match" rules, following a challenge by business and labor organizations.
DHS Publishes New I-9 Form -- Dec. 26, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires all employers to use a new version of the Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification form) for employees hired Dec. 26, 2007, or after. The I-9 is used to verify the identity and work eligibility of newly hired employees.
Judge Blocks DHS No-Match Rules -- Oct. 10, 2007
Saying that the DHS's "no-match" regulations could potentially cost legal workers their jobs and fail to properly consider the burden on small businesses, a federal judge ruled Oct. 10 that the DHS needs to put the rules on hold for now. The legal challenge to the DHS rules was brought by a combined group of labor and business organizations.
NRA Asks for Six-Month Delay on No-Match Rules -- Aug. 27, 2007
The NRA wrote a letter to the DHS asking for 180-day delay in the enforcement of no-match regulations.
DHS Releases "No-Match" Rule -- Aug. 15, 2007
The Bush Administration and the Department of Homeland Security announced a series of steps to crack down on undocumented workers and their employers. One measure likely to have the biggest impact is new "no-match" regulations that detail the steps employers must take when they receive letters from the Social Security Administration citing discrepancies between employee names and social security numbers.
State News
NRA Tracks State Action on Immigration -- 2007-2008
Congress's failure to act on comprehensive immigration reform has prompted a wave of state and local action on the issue. Several states passed measures in 2007 that require employers to take additional steps to verify the work authorization of employees, or that step up penalties against employers who hire workers not eligible for employment in the United States. Get the NRA's overview of state immigration legislation and requirements here.
Immigration: Legal Resources
E-Verify Program
Employers can use the Department of Homeland Security's "E-Verify" program to check the work eligibility of new hires online.
Social Security Administration
The SSA offers guidance on handling no-match letters and more.
