New I-9 Form Delayed Until April 3, 2009

No one would ever accuse the federal government of being efficient. As reported here on January 26, 2009, USCIS announced in December 2008 that a new I-9 form would become mandatory for all employers on February 2, 2009. However, this new I-9 form was not placed on the USCIS website until the end of January 2009 – days after the Obama inauguration and only days before the mandatory deadline. Then, on Friday, January 30, 2009 -- only a week later and only one business day before the new form became mandatory -- the Obama administration has announced that EMPLOYERS MUST NOT USE THE NEW FORM UNTIL April 3, 2009. Indeed, the new administration has re-opened the review and public comment period until March 3, 2009.

Insomniacs can read the full USCIS press release at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=52b16d962492f110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD.

NOTICE: This summary is designed merely to inform and alert you of recent legal developments. It does not constitute legal advice and does not apply to any particular situation because different facts could lead to different results. Information here can change or be amended without notice. Readers should not act upon this information without legal advice. If you have any questions about anything you have read, you should consult with or retain an employment attorney.