U.S. Department of Homeland Security Reinstates I-9 Requirements

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Reinstates I-9 Requirements

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reinstated previously relaxed I-9 work authorization requirements for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, making it necessary for those employing Katrina survivors to procure authorization. The DHS had relaxed I-9 documentation requirements in response to the large number of displaced individuals who could not produce documentation due to the tragic hurricane.

The DHS has further noted that those displaced workers should by now be able to have replaced lost authorizations or demonstrate that they have applied for such paperwork through the appropriate agencies. Those returning to positions held prior to the hurricane are not required to prove employment eligibility because they are not considered new hires.

The DHS will use discretion in considering each case and in many instances demonstration of a good faith effort to acquire employment authorization documentation will be considered adequate to avoid punitive actions.