Gainesville immigrant employers advised to 'be careful'

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville immigrant employers got a lesson on how careful they have to be in filling out new forms Tuesday at an Immigration Law seminar held at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.

Attorney Madeline Wirt from Gainesville told her audience they have to make sure potential employees are "legal" without violating their rights.

"It's illegal to discriminate against work eligible individuals," Wirt said. "Employers cannot specify which documents they will accept from an employee."

Wirt said employers still have to use "common sense" by using "constructive knowledge" concerning immigrant employment, but employee forms have to be filled out correctly in case of an Immigration Service audit.

Small business owners learned they have to cross every 'T' and dot every 'I' when it comes employing immigrants.

"You as employers walk a fine line as far as discriminating against people who look like they're not U.S. citizens," Wirt added.

Wirt pointed out changes in immigration law at the seminar in which she focused on the new I-9 form and the so-called "no match" Social Security regulation.

Wirt issued a handbook for employers on completing Form I-9, the employment eligibility verification form.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/8/212511