Houston Requirements for Employee Verification

Knowing the Houston requirements for employee verification could help employers stay consistently compliant when hiring and managing immigrant employees. However, there are many aspects to consider, which could be daunting to keep track of when also trying to manage a business.

Learn more about the specific requirements in place for employment verification and the potential penalties that could result from non-compliance and violations.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the dedicated I-9 compliance attorneys from Monty & Ramirez LLP today.

The Main Requirements for Employee Verification

To avoid any compliance issues as an employer, keep in mind the following critical requirements for employee verification in Houston:

Form I-9

Employment Eligibility Form I-9 is a document that all employers and employees must complete in the U.S. to authorize work. This form identifies all workers and includes crucial details about them to confirm whether they are qualified to work as employees in the U.S.

Supporting Documentation for I-9s

There are additional documents that individuals may need to provide with their I-9 forms, including:

• A U.S. passport or passport card
• An Alien Registration Receipt Card or Permanent Resident Card
• An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a valid passport-style photograph
• A foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation or stamp that a machine can read
• A foreign passport with Form I-94 or I-94A, along with an Arrival-Departure Record and an endorsement
• Receipts for damages, lost, or stolen employment authorization documents
• Documents that establish identity, including a driver’s license or State ID, voter’s registration card, or U.S. military card

Both employers and employees should determine which documents apply to their specific employment situation and the I-9 document.

Background Checks

Some positions also need background checks for prospective employees that would look at the individual’s criminal record, employment history, and academic record.

E-Verify

Certain employers might also use E-Verify to confirm work authorization through electronic verification, which would go through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Data Privacy Adherence

Employers will need to comply with data privacy regulations when collecting and managing all employee data throughout employment verification.

Possible Penalties for Non-Compliance

There are multiple potential penalties that employers may face due to non-compliance, with more extensive penalties for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized employees. Imprisonment may also result in extreme cases when an employer habitually hires unauthorized employees or commits other egregious violations.

Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars for each first-time I-9 paperwork violation, with fines increasing with subsequent offenses. Penalties can go into the tens of thousands if an employer knowingly hired or kept an unauthorized employee in the workforce.

Typically, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for identifying and taking action when violations occur, potentially sending employers a Notice of Inspection (NOI) or a Notice of Intent to Fine (NIF), which employers may be able to respond to and contest.

With knowledge of the various employment verification requirements in Houston, employers may be able to effectively avoid these legal consequences, especially with the help of an attorney.

Work With a Lawyer to Handle Houston Employee Verification Requirements

In working to stay compliant with the Houston requirements for employee verification, employers will be able to avoid hefty fines and potential criminal charges that might otherwise result from hiring and continuing to employ unauthorized workers.

Furthermore, these requirements are the same in every city throughout the United States, as Form I-9 and immigration compliance are governed by federal law.

If you would like some help maintaining compliance with the various rules and regulations that apply to employment verification, consult a skilled attorney today. Contact us for a free consultation.