By Michael T. O'Neil, Esq.
As we have previously written in this space, it is every employer's obligation to have each new hire fill out a federal Form I-9 for Employment Eligibility Verification. But what happens if you suspect that your new hire has lied on the form? Can you be held liable? How can you confirm that your new employee is a legal United States citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the United States? Now the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service ("USCIS") and the Social Security Administration ("SSA") have teamed-up to create the Basic Pilot Program. The Basic Pilot Program is a web-based database program whereby an employer can log on and verify its employees' information. Employers can register at www.vis-dhs.com/employerregistration. Follow the instructions for completing the Memorandum of Understanding and you will be on your way to protecting your company from unwanted liability.