Reply #6: are 45 days up? [View All]

[cosmicdot]

according to this version:

"On Sept. 6, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would "refrain from initiating employer-sanction enforcement action for the next 45 days for civil violations ... with regards to individuals who are currently unable to provide identity and eligibility documents." The department said it would review the policy and make further recommendations at the end of that period."

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/state/12917697.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp




Press Releases


Notice Regarding I-9 Documentation Requirements for Hiring Hurricane Victims

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
September 6, 2005

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that it will not sanction employers for hiring victims of Hurricane Katrina who, at this time, are unable to provide documentation normally required under Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. DHS will not bring sanction actions against employers for hiring individuals evacuated or displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina otherwise eligible for employment but who currently lack personal documents.

U.S. employers are responsible for completing and retaining Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Forms for individuals they hire for employment. This form requires employers to verify employment eligibility and establish identity through original documents presented by the employee. For victims of Hurricane Katrina, many individuals lack these documents as a result of being evacuated from their homes, loss or damage to personal items and records, and ongoing displacement in shelters and temporary housing. Additionally, as a result of the widespread damage and destruction to government facilities in the area affected by the hurricane it can be expected that many victims will be unable to apply and receive new documents in the period of time required by the employment verification rules.

Therefore, the Department of Homeland Security will refrain from initiating employer sanction enforcement actions for the next 45 days for civil violations, under Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with regard to individuals who are currently unable to provide identity and eligibility documents as a result of the hurricane. Employers will still need to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form as much as possible but should note at this time that the documentation normally required is not available due to the events involving Hurricane Katrina. At the end of 45 days, the Department of Homeland Security will review this policy and make further recommendations.

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http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4788


List of Government Waivers and Dispensations Authorized for Hurricane Katrina Response

The following is a list of waivers and dispensations authorized by government agencies in response to Hurricane Katrina as of October 6, 2005.
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0718.xml