Articles
Employment Verification Process
Don't Lose Your License - How to Comply with New State
Mandated Employment Verification Process
On July 2, 2007, Gov. Napolitano signed HB 2779, the "fair and
legal employment act". The provisions of the law become effective
on January 1, 2008. According to a press release issued by the
Governor's office, she is likely to call a special session to
correct and clarify the law, including an incorrect citation to a
federal law.
The law is intended to prohibit employers from knowingly or
intentionally hiring undocumented workers. The penalties, for the
first offense include business license suspensions and the second
offense will result in a permanent revocation of the employer's
business licenses.
What steps should you immediately take?
- Continue to verify employment using the I-9 process.
- Do not discriminate based on race.
- Sign up for the BPP - the Business Pilot Program. The federal
database operated by the HDS, USCIS and SSA departments is
available to assist employers in their efforts to accurately verify
the social security numbers and employment eligibility of new
hires. Register at www.vis-dhs.com.
According to the website, "An employer who verifies work
authorization under the EEV program has established a rebuttable
presumption that it has not knowingly hired an unauthorized alien."
Source: I am an Employer…How do I…Use the Employment Eligibility
Verification/Basic Pilot Program? M-655 (01/07)
- Registering with the BPP as soon as possible is advisable, as
the site may become overwhelmed by a rush of applicants nearer the
January 1, 2008 deadline.
- Visit Jaburg & Wilk's web site, www.jaburgwilk.com for more
information and links to pertinent government websites.
- Attend the Jaburg & Wilk seminar explaining the new law and
the possible employer sanctions. The Phoenix office will host the
seminar on August 7, 2007 from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Space is limited
so call 602.248.1051 or register by email at info@jaburgwilk.com.
*Please note: Jaburg & Wilk attorneys are available to
present seminars to your trade association or business group on
this or other legal topics.