On March 27, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a notice in the Federal Register inviting the public to comment on proposed revisions to Form I-9. As you may know, employers are required under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to complete a Form I-9 during the hiring process to verify an individual’s identity and employment eligibility. Historically, employers have found completing Form I-9 confusing and burdensome. The instructions have not always been clear to employers about the types of documents that an individual may offer to prove employment eligibility. On this front, the proposed changes are an overall positive development for employers.

How is Form I-9 changing?

The proposed revisions to Form I-9 include a more user-friendly two-page layout, with more detailed instructions to a new hire and an employer on properly completing the form. We think that employers will find the expanded I-9 instructions useful. The currently proposed Form I-9 may be found online at...