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High court backs Arizona immigration law that punishes businesses

The Supreme Court has backed an Arizona law that punishes businesses hiring illegal immigrants. The 5-3 ruling Thursday is a victory for supporters of immigration reform on the state level. It was the first high court challenge to a variety of recent state laws cracking down on illegal immigrants in Arizona. The hiring case turned […]

The Real Cost of E-Verify

U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This diverse workforce contributes greatly to the vibrancy and strength of the US economy, but that same strength also attracts unauthorized employment. E-Verify is an Internet-based system […]

The Why of an Electronic I-9

On October 30, 2004, legislation was passed into law authorizing employers to retain Forms I-9 in electronic format, in addition to the current choices of paper, microfilm or microfiche. The legislation also authorizes attestations on the Form I-9 to be manifested by an electronic signature. While paper I-9 systems still have their place, many HR […]

USCIS Launches I-9 Central on USCIS.gov

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched I-9 Central, a new online resource center dedicated to the most frequently accessed form on USCIS.gov: Form I-9, Employee Eligibility Verification. This free, easy-to-use website builds on recent employment-related enhancements by providing employers and employees simple one-click access to resources, tips and guidance to properly complete Form […]

Philadelphia Passes a New “Ban the Box” Ordinance

On March 31st, Philadelphia City Council passed a new “ban the box” ordinance, which will prohibit most employers from putting a “yes or no” check box on an initial employment application — to ask whether a candidate has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. It also bans the employer from asking about criminal […]

Improving Your Immigration IMAGE

The ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program is a joint government and private sector initiative that was introduced in July 2006 by the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help employers monitor with respect to complying with the federal immigration law’s prohibition against hiring workers who […]