Any United States citizen is authorized to work in the U.S., but immigrants must obtain official authorization to work. Form I-9 was created as a method of enforcing immigration laws; it is a means of monitoring employer hiring practices.

Purpose

Employers are required by law to maintain I-9 forms, which indicate employment eligibility, for all new employees. The government routinely audits businesses to make sure they are not hiring illegal workers.

Sections

Form I-9 includes two sections. The first is where the new employee fills out personal information. In the second section, the employer examines the employee's identification to make sure that the new hire is authorized to work in the United States.

Employee Identification

New employees must produce identification which proves their identity and proves their authorization to work. An example set of identification is a U.S. driver's license and a social security card. Some documents, such as a U.S. passport, prove both at the same time.

I-9 Violation Penalties

Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers face jail time and fines levied by the United States government. If an employer repeatedly hires illegal workers, he may spend several years in prison.

I-9 Exemptions

Employees under temporary contract are not required to file I-9 forms with employers. However, the employer is still not allowed to temporarily hire an employee he knows is not authorized to work.

Source:

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Form I-9

North Carolina Office of State Personnel: I-9 Guidelines