The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently made an announcement that the Self Check Program is now available throughout the United States, Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

The Self Check Program is an online service for employees to check their own employment eligibility status through the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

The program enables individuals to access their federal employment eligibility records and offers guidance on how to correct any discovered record discrepancies prior to engaging in the hiring process. Similar to E-Verify, Self Check verifies that an employee’s name and Social Security number match and ensures that the name and number combination relates to an individual authorized to work in the United States.

To use the system, employees must enter their basic identifying information (date of birth, name, etc.) and take a short quiz. The short quiz includes identity-related questions, such as the employee’s previous street address and questions regarding the person’s home and/or mortgage, if applicable.

Once the quiz has been completed, the employee must enter identifying information from her/his documents to get the results.

If a mismatch is identified, the system will alert the employee, which will allow the employee additional time to correct the source of the mismatch prior to applying for employment with an employer who uses the E-Verify system.  The Self Check system is available in both the English and Spanish language.

While it is an easy system to use, employers cannot require any existing employees or potential employees to use Self Check under any circumstances. Furthermore, employers cannot require any individuals to submit a Self Check confirmation page prior to any employment.

The stated purpose of the system is to assist employees who are concerned that they may have a records discrepancy that may impact the hiring process. If you find an issue with the self check program or if your company uses E-verify or is considering switching to E-Verify, contact us for assistance. It’s all we do!

On October 13, attorneys John Wilson and Grace Miller gave a lively presentation on Form I-9 and E-Verify to members of the River Valley Human Resources Association in Claremont, NH. We would like to thank all the participants for asking many great, engaging questions, and of course extend a big thank you to Claremont Savings Bank for hosting us in their conference room.

In addition to providing an in-depth look at each section of the I-9 Form and the Lists of Acceptable Documents, attorneys Wilson and Miller explained E-Verify, how it relates to the I-9 Form, and what obligations are created when employers enroll in the program. Participants left the workshop with a better understanding of the I-9 form and why it’s frequently called the most complicated one page form ever created!

Each participant received GoffWilson’s coveted I-9 Form Reference Workbook, which past participants have said they use every time a new person is hired. GoffWilson attorneys have carefully tailored this workbook to be a practical, step-by-step guide to completing the I-9 Form. The workbook also provides examples of correctly completed I-9 Forms, frequently asked questions, and examples that can help you spot I-9 errors  before they become a legal headache.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the participants who asked us to stay longer to review additional examples and ask questions.  If you were unable to attend this workshop and you are interested in Form I-9 related training, please stay tuned to GoffWilson’s I-9 Blawg.  Additional presentations will be offered soon. They will be announced on our Blawg and our social media accounts, so be sure to bookmark us and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you are interested in hosting a workshop for your organization, please visit the I-9 training and seminars page on our website.

Thank you again to all of the participants for a great workshop!

Thank you to all of the participants who attended our seminar, “Form I-9 & E-Verify: What You Need To Know – 2011” yesterday at Northeast Delta Dental in Concord, New Hampshire. We would like to thank Northeast Delta Dental for providing the venue – as well as a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste for each participant! We had an engaging workshop with lots of great questions.

Participants included private employers, public employers, not-for-profit organizations, and government entities of all sizes. To make sure we’re addressing the needs of our attendees, we like to survey participants soon after the seminar. If you would like to take part in this brief survey, please click here.

In addition to the yummy breakfast, participants left with an in-depth understanding of I-9 form completion and retention requirements. Attorneys John Wilson and Grace Miller demystified E-Verify and the employer’s obligations created by enrolling in the program.

Each participant was given GoffWilson’s sought-after I-9 form reference workbook, which past participants have said they use every time a new person is hired. Using this workbook, participants were given the opportunity to put pen to paper and complete sample I-9 forms that were filled with common issues and problems. Workshop participants then applied their knowledge and skillfully spotted errors on sample I-9 forms.

GoffWilson has certified this course for HRCI credit. Participants who needed PHR/SPHR certification received 3 hours of HRCI credit.

Thank you again to all of the participants and Northeast Delta Dental for a great work!

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Monday the launch of, “E-Verify Self Check.” This tool is an online service that allows individuals in the U.S. to check their employment eligibility status before seeking employment.

The free service is available to individuals in Arizona, Idaho, Colorodo, Mississippi, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The USCIS plans to expand Self Check’s availability once feedback and reviews are received from the initial launch areas. Nationwide expansion should take place within 12 months, according to a USCIS press release. The goal of the program is reduce the number of data mismatches employers experience when using E-Verify.

How E-Verify Self Check Works:

1. Users enter their name, date of birth, and address online.
2. Users confirm their identity by answering demographic and financial questions generated by a third-party identity assurance service.
3. Users enter Social Security number and depending on citizenship status, Alien Registration number.
4. The program checks the information against relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) and DHS databases and returns information regarding the users’ employment eligibility status.

Important Notes for Employers:

• Employers cannot require individuals to use E-Verify Self Check to prove work authorization.
• E-Verify employers must continue to run an E-Verify query on each new hire, even if the new hire has previously verified their employment status through Self Check.
• Employers may not accept Self Check results as a fulfillment for the I-9 Form.

Click here to read the full press release from USCIS. For answers to specific questions regarding E-Verify Self Check, contact GoffWilson.

Participants left the seminar with an excellent understanding of the I-9 form, the underlying policies of the I-9 form, and the liabilities associated with the form. Participants who needed PHR/SPHR certification received 3 hours of HRCI credit. In addition to breakfast, participants were given valuable reference material, their I-9 workbook, resource guide and retention worksheet as well as the knowledge and confidence to correctly complete the I-9 form. Northeast Delta Dental generously gave participants a take home gift of toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Thank you again to all of the participants and Northeast Delta Dental for supplying the venue and atmosphere conducive for learning.

Knowledge is power in the changing landscape of federal immigration enforcement.

GoffWilson, an immigration law firm with offices in New Hampshire and abroad, announces an encore presentation of the winning seminar for Employers and Human Resource Professionals, “Form I-9 & E-Verify: What You Need To Know 2010”. Back by popular demand for the third time, the training workshop will take place on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, NH.

Participants earn three Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) continuing education credit hours for completing the training.

Reporting and compliance oversights can prompt scrutiny of the most well-intentioned businesses. Under the new administration, worksite enforcement policies have shifted liability away from the undocumented workers and to the employer. Has your company implemented the most up-to-date requirements? Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now has the financial resources to investigate and develop cases against U.S. employers for crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, wage and hour violations, and RICO crimes. Even errors unrelated to immigration or foreign workers can result in $110 to $1,100 for a minor violation.

With increased scrutiny on U.S. employers, knowledge is power, and it is critical that businesses are aware of their responsibilities, even if they do not employ foreign workers. The seminar, “Form I-9 & Employment Verification: What You Need to Know 2010,” led by Attorney John Wilson, and the GoffWilson I-9 Team, focuses on:

• Completing the I-9 Form properly and completely
• The most common errors that can result in ICE scrutiny and fines
• Review of acceptable verification documents and the information they contain
• Up-to-date legal requirements that employers must abide by for Form I-9 and E-Verify

Participants will receive the 2010 version of the GoffWilson I-9 manual. This take-home training manual contains exercises completed during training, examples of correctly completed I-9 Forms, copies of the accompanying identification documents (i.e. Driver’s License, Social Security Card, U.S. Passport, Greencard), and frequently asked questions for future reference.

“Homeland security is focusing on the employer and pursing criminal and civil enforcement against employers who are non-compliant,” Attorney John Wilson, stated, “The best way for Employers and Human Resource professionals to be proactive regarding their responsibilities is to understand and comply with the law.” During the seminar, participants will do just that. They are given hands-on exercises with guidance from the GoffWilson I-9 Team to put education into practice. At the end of seminar, participants will take-home a completed workbook with numerous examples that they completed and corrected in class.
The registration fee for the seminar is $95, which includes intensive Form I-9 training, the 2010 version of the GoffWilson I-9 manual, breakfast, and 3 hours of HRCI credit. Early registration is recommended as space is limited. For more information or to register for this seminar visit www.goffwilson.com or contact GoffWilson at (603) 228-1277, info@goffwilson.com.

The Buzz from the 2009 & 2010 Seminars

• Excellent training – engaging, timely and comprehensive. – June 2010 Participant
• Before the seminar I thought how difficult can it be to complete an I-9 Form? Boy, was I wrong! The training was very informative. I found the workbook and actually completing some of the I-9’s very helpful! – June 2010 Participant
• The hands-on approach and the style in which the information was presented was very good. The workbook is a great reference tool.” – June 2010 Participant
• Training materials were exceptional!! – June 2010 Participant
• I thought the training and trainers were fantastic! Way more than I expected! – March 2009 Participant
• Excellent workshop where I highly recommend anyone who works in hiring procedures attend! You will not be disappointed! – March 2009 Participant
• Overall, I walked away with a Oh Wow feeling! – March 2009 Participant

Important Links

Seminar Webpage |  Seminar  Flyer | June 2010 Seminar |  Online Registration |  Paper Registration

About GoffWilson, P.A. and Attorney John Wilson

GoffWilson, has been assisting employers with immigration law in the global market place for more than twenty-five years. GoffWilson serves a wide variety of multinational companies in various sectors including energy, finance, healthcare, engineering and technology while providing clients with individualized service and a global reach. The sole focus of the Firm is Immigration Law. GoffWilson assists companies in establishing the systems and procedures needed to ensure compliance with the nation’s Form I-9 Verification System, and protect their interests if targeted for a workplace enforcement action.
Attorney John R. Wilson, President of GoffWilson, has led educational trainings for over fifteen years, and has conducted hundreds of HR-related training events. Wilson is a frequent writer and lecturer on immigration law in front of national and area Human Resources Associations and various business groups including Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The event was fully-booked and sold-out by HR Professionals and business owners looking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the I-9 Form. Participants arrived early Friday morning at Delta Dental Auditorium and were treated to a delicious breakfast to get energized for the day.

Melissa Registers Participants

A delicious breakfast

Attorney Jim Reidy, of Sheehan, Phinney, Bass + Green, P.A., kicked-off the seminar by providing participants with an informative Labor Law Legal Update.

Attorney Jim Reidy kicked-off the day

Attorney John Wilson and Attorney Grace Miller of GoffWilson, P.A. led the seminar. Participants learned how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targets illegal immigration by focusing on U.S. employers. ICE uses the I-9 Form and hiring records to target employers that do not comply with employment eligibility verification laws. Form I-9 errors can result in fines that range from $110 to $1,100.

Attorney Grace Miller & Attorney John Wilson explain how ICE targets illegal immigration

Attorney Wilson and Attorney Miller taught participants how to complete the I-9 Form properly and completely, discussed the most common errors that can result in ICE scrutiny and fines, reviewed acceptable verification documents, and covered the most up-to-date legal requirements that employers must abide by.

Attorney Miller teaches participant how to properly complete the I-9 Form

Attorney Wilson teaches participants how to properly document a U.S. Driver's License and a Birth Certificate

After 3 hours of intense I-9 training, participants received certificates for HRCI credit from the Human Resource Certification Institue. Nancy Valpey from the NH Liquor Commission was the lucky winner of the beautiful flower arrangement at the registration table.

Participants received 3 hours of HRCI recertification credit

Enter to win the flowers...

And the lucky winner is: Nancy!

Special thanks to the staff at Delta Dental for providing the space and resources to make the day a success, and to Attorney Jim Reidy for contributing his time and information.

Thank You Delta Dental

We look forward to seeing you at future seminars.

- The GoffWilson I-9 Team

Aerial photo of Can Do It, Inc., 801 Golf Lane, Bensenville, Illinois

Last week the president and office manager of two staffing companies operating from the same business location were charged with hiring undocumented employees. Clinton Roy Perkins, the president, and Christopher Reindl, the manager, operate two staffing companies, Anna II, Inc and Can Do It, Inc., from 801 Golf Lane, Bensenville, Illinois. The indictment alleges that both men hired more than ten employees with actual knowledge that the individuals were undocumented and had been brought into the United States in violation of the law.

Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of the ICE office of Investigation in Chicago, stated, “ICE is committed to ensuring that employers are held accountable for maintaining a legal workforce. The goal of our enforcement effort is two-fold – reduce the demand for illegal employment, and protect job opportunities for the nation’s lawful workforce.”

If convicted, the indictment seeks forfeiture of both business and personal assets. In addition, hiring undocumented workers carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

This indictment is consistent with the stated policy of the Obama administration: enforce the laws that prohibit U.S. employers from hiring undocumented workers to eliminate the demand of illegal immigration.

Since the focus of the worksite enforcement investigations has shifted to the employer, employers should verify that their I-9 forms are being properly completed and retained.

Navigating the rough seas of immigration law demands that companies wear life preservers for safety.  GoffWilson announces an encore performance of last year’s winning seminar for Employers and Human Resource Professionals, “Form I-9 & E-Verify: What You Need To Know 2010”.  Back by popular demand, the training workshop will take place on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Delta Dental Auditorium in Concord, NH. Participants earn three Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) continuing education credit hours for completing the training.

Reporting and compliance oversights can prompt scrutiny of the most well-intentioned businesses.  Under the new administration, worksite enforcement policies have shifted liability away from the undocumented workers and to the employer.  Has your company implemented the most up-to-date requirements?  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now has the financial resources to investigate and develop cases against U.S. employers for crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, wage and hour violations, and RICO crimes. Even errors unrelated to immigration or foreign workers can result in $110 to $1,100 for a minor violation.

With increased scrutiny on U.S. employers, it is critical that businesses are aware of their responsibilities, even if they do not employ foreign workers. The seminar, “Form I-9 & Employment Verification: What You Need to Know 2010,” led by Attorney John Wilson, and the GoffWilson I-9 Team, focuses on:

• Completing the I-9 Form properly and completely
• The most common errors that can result in ICE scrutiny and fines
• Review of acceptable verification documents and the information they contain
• The most up-to-date legal requirements that employers must abide by for the I-9 Form and E-Verify

“Homeland security is focusing on the employer and pursing criminal and civil enforcement against employers who are non-compliant,” Attorney John Wilson, stated, “The best way for Employers and Human Resource professionals to be proactive regarding their responsibilities is to understand and comply with the law.” During the seminar, participants will do just that. They are given hands-on exercises with guidance from the GoffWilson I-9 Team to put education into practice. At the end of seminar, participants will take-home a completed workbook with numerous examples that they completed and corrected in class.

The registration fee for the seminar is $95, which includes intensive Form I-9 training, the 2010 version of the GoffWilson I-9 manual, breakfast, and 3 hours of HRCI credit. Early registration is recommended as space is limited. For more information or to register for this seminar visit www.goffwilson.com or contact GoffWilson at (603) 228-1277 | registration@GoffWilson.com.

Seminar Webpage and Registration

The Buzz from the 2009 Seminar

“I thought the training and trainers were fantastic! Way more than I expected!”  – I-9 Seminar Participant, 2009

“Excellent workshop where I highly recommend anyone who works in hiring procedures attend! You will not be disappointed!” – I-9 Seminar Participant, 2009

“Overall, I walked away with a Oh Wow feeling!” – I-9 Seminar Participant, 2009

“I found the training very helpful and was very happy with the techniques used because it gave us the opportunity to actually apply the information we had just learned.  I also appreciated the information given regarding refugee documentation, foreign passports, etc. because I never feel comfortable auditing I-9′s for these types of employees because I never really knew what to be looking for. I now feel more confident in this area.”  – I-9 Seminar Participant, 2009

“Thank you and everyone who helped to make this seminar really one of the best as far as providing a lot of information in a short period of time.  We needed every minute and yet it was not too long. The workbook will come in handy. “ – I-9 Seminar Participant, 200

Passage of this bill is consistent with the Administration’s stated intention to eventually make E-Verify mandatory for all employers (as we reported in April of this year).

E-Verify is an online system dependent upon the Form I-9 that is intended to allow employers to verify the employment authorization of newly hired employees.