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U.S. Government Temporarily Relaxes Documentation Standards for Hiring Hurricane Victims

Recognizing that many individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina have no access to their social security numbers, work authorization documents or drivers' licenses, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it will temporarily relax I-9 documentation standards for employers wishing to hire hurricane evacuees.

Under Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. employers are responsible for completing and retaining Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Forms for individuals they hire. The I-9 form calls upon employers to verify employment eligibility and establish identity through specified original documents presented by the employee.

In addition to the personal loss of documents by the hurricane survivors, the widespread damage and destruction to government facilities in the Gulf Coast region means that replacement documents will not be available in the time required by employment verification rules.

Therefore, the DHS stated that for the next 45 days it will not sanction employers who fail to meet I-9 requirements for those unable to produce sufficient documentation due to Hurricane Katrina. Employers must still complete the I-9 form to the best of their ability and should note that the documentation normally required is not available due to the events involving Hurricane Katrina.

At the close of the 45 days, the DHS will review this temporary policy and make additional recommendations regarding I-9 procedures for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

(source: http://www.dhs.gov)