Who is responsible for verifying employee identity and work authorization on Form I-9?

The employer is responsible for verifying employee identity and work authorization on Form I-9. This form is a legal document required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that individuals are eligible to work in the United States. The employer must review the original documents provided by the employee that establish both identity and work authorization, ensuring that they are valid and meet the requirements outlined by the USCIS.

Having the employer take on this responsibility helps maintain compliance with immigration laws and protects against the hiring of unauthorized workers, which can lead to significant legal and financial penalties. The employer's role also involves completing Section 2 of the Form I-9, which confirms that the verification process has taken place within the specified time frame after hiring the employee.