The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently proposed a pilot program for small employers to remotely verify I-9 forms. This news has the potential to drastically change how Human Resources (HR) professionals across the country manage I-9 compliance.
Remotely verifying I-9s is beneficial for both employers and employees because it streamlines the onboarding process and eliminates the need for employers to physically collect documents from their new hires. It also reduces the risk of noncompliance with I-9 form regulations.
What is the Remote Pilot Program?
The proposed pilot program would allow employers with fewer than 500 employees to use an online portal to remotely collect and verify their new hires’ I-9 forms. This would be done in lieu of requiring them to physically collect documents or to fill out the form in person.
The proposed online portal would include the following components:
• Online Form I-9: Employers would be able to fill out the form online on their own. This would eliminate the need for employers to physically collect documents from their employees.
• Verification System: The online portal would include a system to verify the accuracy of the information provided on the form. This system would compare the data provided against government databases to ensure the form is accurate and up-to-date.
• Document Collection: The online portal would include a document collection feature to securely collect documents from employees. This would ensure that all necessary documents are collected in a timely manner.
• Automated Reminders: The portal would also include automated reminders to notify employers when documents are due to be collected. This would help employers stay on top of their I-9 compliance requirements.
The proposed pilot program is a major step forward in streamlining the onboarding process and reducing the risk of noncompliance with I-9 form regulations. However, it is important to note that this is only a proposed pilot program at this point. It is unclear whether or when the program will be implemented.
For HR professionals, this proposed pilot program is worth keeping an eye on. In the meantime, employers should continue to follow the current I-9 form regulations and ensure that all documents are collected in a timely manner.
The proposed pilot program is an exciting development in the world of Human Resources. It has the potential to drastically reduce the burden of I-9 compliance and streamline the onboarding process. For now, HR professionals should continue to stay up-to-date on the latest I-9 form regulations and keep an eye on the progress of this proposed pilot program.
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