UPDATE ALERT; DHS / ICE Announce Another Extension to Form I-9 “Flexibility” until December 31, 2020

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today announced an extension of the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance that was granted earlier this year. Due to the continued precautions related to COVID-19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend this policy until Dec. 31, 2020.

On March 19, 2020, due to precautions implemented by employers and employees associated with COVID-19, DHS announced that it would exercise prosecutorial discretion to defer the physical presence requirements associated with the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) under section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy only applies to employers and workplaces that are operating remotely. If there are employees physically present at a work location, no exceptions are being implemented at this time for in-person verification of identity and employment eligibility documentation for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

March 2020 Guidance

Going forward DHS will continue to monitor the ongoing national emergency and provide updated guidance as needed. E-Verify participants who meet the criteria and choose the remote inspection option should continue to follow current guidance and create cases for their new hires within three business days from the date of hire.

To learn more about how Form I-9 Compliance LLC can help your business, please contact us directly at 866.359.4949 or schedule a call to speak to one of our I-9 experts.