News
We will post recent news that effects I-9 and E-verify laws and procedures for our clients to review. Please contact us if you need any clarification on how these new rules might effect you!
Recent News
Alabama Dept. of Homeland Security E-verify Available for Small Businesses
The Alabama Department of Homeland Security E-Verify service for businesses with 25 or fewer employees is available. As of January 1, 2012, all businesses that conduct business with the state of Alabama or one its departments or agencies are required to E-Verify all new employees.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands updates I-9 eligibility
Beginning November 28, 2011, employers hiring individuals for employment in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) must begin using the standard "Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification" for all new hires and re-verifications in the CNMI.
USDHS Extends TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua
USDHS has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua for an additional 18 months, beginning January 6, 2012. The re-registration period for both is November 4, 2011 to January 5, 2012. The 18-month extension includes an automatic extension of the current TPS Honduras and TPS Nicaragua employment authorization documents (EADs) bearing a January 6, 2012 expiration date for an additional six months until July 5, 2012.
Cowlitz County, Washington E-Verify Status
Cowlitz County, Washington - Cowlitz County now requires employers with county contracts to use E-Verify to ensure that they and their employees working on the projects are "in compliance with federal employment laws."
Washington County, Utah E-Verify Status
The Washington County Commission in Utah passed an ordinance requiring businesses, within the unincorporated areas of the county, to use E-Verify before they can obtain Washington County business licenses. The ordinance will go into effect December 2011.
USDHS Extends TPS for Sudan and Designate the new Republic of South Sudan for TPS
USDHS has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan for 18 months and designated the new Republic of South Sudan for TPS for 18 months. Both the extension and the new designation are effective November 3, 2011, and will continue through May 2, 2013. This 18-month extension includes an automatic extension of the validity of employment authorization documents (EADs) issued under the last extension of Sudan TPS for an additional six months until May 2, 2012.
Revised I-9 Handbook for Employers update
USCIS released a revised version of the I-9 Handbook for Employers (M-274). The revised version is M-274 Rev. 06/01/11 N and all prior versions are obsolete.
Additional guidance include:
- Page 4 - Section 1: recording employees names
- Page 11: recording TPS beneficiary EAD auto-extensions for existing employees
- Page 19: rehiring employees
- Page 19: reverifying employee’s employment authorization
- Page 24: storing Form I-9
- Page 46, Q. 50: completing Section for asylees and refugees
- Page 46, Q. 60: CNMI umbrella permit 240P
Additional information and document examples to pages 56 and 58.
Removal of:
- All references to Form I-797C on pages 18 and 41
- Q-1 from list of employees eligible for 240-days extension (page 18).
South Carolina, North Carolina & Tennessee E-Verify Status
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee join the ranks of States which have adopted the use of E-Verify for employment eligibility verifications. See our state map for more details.
Minnesota E-Verify Update
Effective July 21, 2011, all companies with contracts with the Minnesota state government worth more than $50,000 must use the federal government’s E-Verify program to ensure the employment eligibility of new employees. See our state map for more details.
Self Check Now Available in Spanish
Self Check, a free online service of E-Verify, is now available in Spanish for those wanting to check their employment eligibility in the United States. This service is available to residents in 16 additional states: California, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington.
Alabama E-Verify Law Update
As of April 1, 2012, every business entity or employer in the state of Alabama will be required to enroll in E-Verify. Failure to do so is a violation of state law. Penalties may include suspension or revocation of an entity's business license or permit.
USDHS extends Haitian TPS
USDHS has extended the Haitian Temporary Protected Status from July 23, 2011 to January 22, 2013. This 18-month extension includes an automatic extension of Employment Authorization for Haitians currently possessing an EAD with an expiration date of July 22, 2011. The automatic employment authorization is valid through January 22, 2012.
E-Verify to Collect List B and C Data
E-Verify announced enhancements to collect List B and C data from E-Verify Direct Web submissions on June 12, 2011. Details are not yet available when these enhancements will be made available to E-Verify Web Services users, such as Lookout Services. Additional details will be forthcoming as they become available.
E-Verify Law in Georgia
Beginning January 1, 2012 employers in the state of Georgia will be required to E-verify new hires. However, Georgia opted for a stair-stepped approach to implementing the new law. Thus, employers with more than 10 employees must meet the following deadlines based upon the number of employees on staff.
500+ employees January 1, 2012
100-499 employees July 1, 2012
11-99 employees July 1, 2013