The federal regulations that govern hiring are complex and, in some cases, convoluted. Working with a West Palm Beach immigration employment lawyer can help your company stay within the letter of the law when hiring new employees. This can help you avoid fines and other penalties associated with violations of these laws and regulations.

Completing Form I-9

The Employment Eligibility Form, also referred to as Form I-9, is used to verify whether a candidate is eligible for employment in the U.S. As an employer, you are required to obtain documentation from prospective employees regarding their identity and their employment eligibility.

• Identity can be established by presenting driver’s licenses, state ID cards, school ID cards or records or military records.
• Passports, employment authorization forms and permanent resident cards, better known as green cards, are acceptable as proof of both eligibility for employment and identity.
• A resident citizen ID card or a valid Social Security number can be used to prove identity for employment purposes.

All full-time and part-time employees must document and verify their eligibility to work in the U.S. before they can be hired.

Discrimination Against Immigrants Is Forbidden

As a Welcoming City for immigrants, employees of the city of West Palm Beach are not permitted to ask about the immigration status of individuals in our area. Discrimination against applicants based on their country of origin or citizenship status is also prohibited by federal law. Making sure that your company maintains the same procedures for all applicants for employment can protect you against charges of discrimination on the basis of immigration status. By requiring that all employees complete the documentation process for their I-9 form, your company can prevent serious and costly legal issues from arising in connection with your hiring practices.

The West Palm Beach immigration employment lawyers at Pozo Goldstein are experienced and knowledgeable about all aspects of hiring and employing immigrants, obtaining green cards and working with lawful permanent residents in the U.S. Contact us today to discuss your situation with our experienced team of immigration experts. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.