Who is responsible for enforcing the I-9 requirements?

The responsibility for enforcing the I-9 requirements lies primarily with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

USCIS oversees the implementation and administration of immigration laws, which includes the enforcement of the I-9 verification process. ICE plays a critical role in the enforcement aspect, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and investigating violations related to the employment of unauthorized workers.

This collaborative enforcement structure is designed to ensure that employers meet their responsibilities to verify the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S., while also addressing unauthorized employment and potential exploitation of workers. The other agencies listed do not have primary responsibilities related to I-9 enforcement: the Department of Labor focuses on wage, hour, and labor standards; the FBI is involved in national security and criminal investigations; and CBP is responsible for securing the borders and facilitating lawful trade and travel, rather than employment verification.