The purpose of the Printable I-9 Form is to facilitate the employment eligibility verification process for employers and employees in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals they hire. The Printable I-9 Form is the official document that employers use to comply with this requirement.
Here are some points that explain the purpose and importance of the Printable I-9 Form:
1. Establishing eligibility: The form ensures that employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. It requires individuals to present specific documents to verify their identity and employment authorization.
2. Preventing hiring of unauthorized workers: By completing the I-9 Form, employers can verify the authenticity of the documents presented by employees. This helps prevent the hiring of individuals who are ineligible to work in the country, thereby maintaining compliance with immigration laws.
3. Avoiding discrimination: The form assists in preventing discrimination during the hiring process. All new employees, regardless of their national origin or citizenship status, must complete the I-9 Form, ensuring equal treatment for all applicants.
4. Legal requirement: The I-9 Form is a mandatory requirement for all employers to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Failure to properly complete and retain the I-9 forms can result in penalties and legal consequences for employers.
5. Document verification: The form requires employers to carefully examine and record the information from various acceptable identity and employment authorization documents presented by employees. This helps ensure the documents are genuine and pertain to the individuals whom they claim to represent.
6. Recordkeeping: Employers must retain completed I-9 Forms for each employee for a specified period. These records act as proof of compliance with employment authorization verification laws and can serve as evidence during government audits or inspections.
The Printable I-9 Form serves as a crucial tool to establish the legality and eligibility of employees to work in the United States. It supports employers in their responsibility to ensure a legal workforce while safeguarding against discrimination and complying with immigration laws.