I-9 and E-Verify News Round-up

Published 11.1.2017

New I-9 Form version mandatory as of September 18, 2017

Just as employers were beginning to get used to the November 2016 form I-9 version, USCIS issued yet another I-9 version, dated 07/17/17, that became mandatory as of September 18, 2017. Employers should ensure that they are using the correct version for all employees hired on or after September 18th. Prior I-9 versions, including the one issued as recently as November 2016, are no longer acceptable.

ICE to increase number of I-9 employer audits and workplace raids

During a speech at the Heritage Foundation on October 17, 2017, Tom Homan, the Acting Director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), reportedly said he has instructed his agency to dramatically increase the number of I-9 audits targeting U.S. employers. Click here to find out more about the scope of these proposed audits and steps employers can take in advance, to learn if they are in compliance with I-9 laws and regulations.

Scam Alert – USCIS does not initiate I-9 investigations via email

USCIS has learned of recent scam emails sent to employers requesting Form I-9 information. The emails appear to come from USCIS, specifically from the email address: news@uscis.gov. The email directs employers to click on a download button that redirects the user to a non-government web address.

USCIS informs that these emails are fraudulent, and reminds employers that the agency does not initiate I-9 investigations via email. USCIS advises employers not to respond to those emails and, instead, report them to the Federal Trade Commission.

USCIS to destroy some E-Verify records on January 1, 2018

USCIS announced that, on January 1, 2018, it will destroy all E-Verify information for cases or inquiries that are at least 10-years old, so those generated on or before December 31, 2007. Employers have until December 31, 2017, to download the case information for these older files from the Historic Records Report in the E-Verify account. Click here for instructions on downloading Historic Records Reports.

As a reminder, employers enrolled in E-Verify must capture the E-Verify case number for each new hire, either by writing the case verification number on the employee’s form I-9, or by printing the E-Verify result and attaching it to the employees’ respective I-9s.

If you have any questions about the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification process or other immigration-related issues, do not hesitate to contact Raluca (Luca) Vais-Ottosen at (608) 252-9291 or rvo@dewittllp.com.