Work Authorization Verification in New Hampshire

What Is Work Authorization Verification, And How Does It Apply At The State Level in New Hampshire?

Work authorization verification is the process of verifying the legal right of a person to work in a certain area. At the state level in New Hampshire, this process is managed by the New Hampshire Department of Labor. Employers must complete an I-9 form for each new employee and submit it to the Department of Labor. The Department will then review and verify the information listed on the form to ensure that the employee has legal authorization to work in New Hampshire. Once verified, the Department will issue a work authorization verification letter which confirms the employee’s legal status and allows them to legally work in the state.

Which State Agencies Or Departments Are Responsible For Overseeing Work Authorization Verification in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security is responsible for overseeing work authorization verification in New Hampshire. They are responsible for administering the federal E-Verify program which helps employers verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

How Do State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements Differ From Federal Requirements in New Hampshire?

State-level work authorization verification requirements in New Hampshire differ from federal requirements in several ways. For example, state law requires employers to obtain a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or other acceptable form of identification from employees when hiring. New Hampshire also requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm that new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. In addition, all employers in New Hampshire must register with the state Department of Labor for the purpose of verifying work authorization. Finally, employers in New Hampshire are required to retain copies of employee identity documents for a minimum of three years after the date of hire. These requirements differ from federal requirements, which do not require employers to use E-Verify and do not require employers to retain copies of employee identity documents for any set period of time.

Are Employers Required To Verify The Work Authorization Of All Employees At The State Level in New Hampshire?

No, employers are not required to verify the work authorization of all employees at the state level in New Hampshire. The state does not require employers to utilize the E-Verify system, although they may do so voluntarily.

What Documentation Is Acceptable For Verifying Work Authorization Under State Law in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, employers must verify the work authorization of all employees. Acceptable documentation of work authorization for verifying work authorization under New Hampshire state law include:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. driver’s license or state-issued identification card
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
• Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa affixed and endorsement stamp from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS)
• Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)

Are There Penalties For Employers Who Fail To Comply With State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements in New Hampshire?

Yes, employers who fail to comply with New Hampshire’s work authorization verification laws may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Employers who knowingly hire or continue to employ an unauthorized worker in New Hampshire can face criminal misdemeanor charges and a fine of up to $5,000 per violation. Additionally, employers may be subject to sanctions from the US Department of Homeland Security.

How Do State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements Impact Employees With Different Immigration Statuses in New Hampshire?

State-level work authorization verification requirements can have a significant impact on employees with different immigration statuses in New Hampshire. All employers must verify the work authorization of all potential employees using the federal E-Verify system. This process requires employers to enter information from the I-9 form into the E-Verify system to confirm the employee’s identity and work eligibility status.

Individuals who are not authorized to work in the US may be subject to civil and criminal penalties if they are found to be working without valid work authorization. In addition, non-citizens may be subject to removal proceedings if they are found to have false identification documents or are working without valid authorization.

Employees with different immigration statuses who are authorized to work in the US must also go through additional steps in order to comply with state-level requirements. These steps include providing additional documentation such as a valid passport, a certified copy of birth certificate, or an employment authorization document. This can be an additional burden for employees who already have their federal work authorization documentation in place.

In conclusion, state-level work authorization verification requirements can present additional challenges for employees with different immigration statuses in New Hampshire. Employers must take extra steps to ensure compliance with these requirements and employees must make sure that they provide sufficient documentation to prove their eligibility to work. Therefore, it is important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities under these laws.

Can State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements Vary By Industry Or Sector in New Hampshire?

No, state-level work authorization verification requirements do not vary by industry or sector in New Hampshire. All employers in the state are required to verify the work authorization of all employees regardless of their industry or sector.

Do States Use The Federal E-Verify System For Work Authorization Verification, Or Do They Have Their Own Systems in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire does not currently use the federal E-Verify system for work authorization verification. The state has its own system, called the New Hampshire Employment Verification System (NH EVS).

Are There Exceptions Or Accommodations For Certain Categories Of Workers Under State-Level Work Authorization Verification in New Hampshire?

Yes. Certain categories of workers are exempt from the mandatory employer use of the E-Verify system in New Hampshire. These include:

• Workers employed by employers of fewer than 10 employees;

• Employees or applicants hired prior to July 1, 2010;

• Domestic workers hired to work in a private residence; and

• Independent contractors.

How Do States Balance Work Authorization Verification With Anti-Discrimination Laws And Privacy Concerns in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, employers must comply with state and federal laws regarding work authorization verification and anti-discrimination laws. The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (CHRC) enforces the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Employers must not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

The CHRC also provides guidance on how to verify a person’s work authorization in compliance with both state and federal law. According to the CHRC, employers are prohibited from inquiring about a potential employee’s immigration status during the pre-employment process. Employers should also use the proper forms to verify a person’s work authorization, such as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 or the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

In addition to complying with anti-discrimination laws and work authorization verification laws, employers in New Hampshire are also required to protect an individual’s privacy. For instance, employers must not share confidential information about their employees with anyone else without their knowledge or consent. Employers must also ensure that any records containing personal information about their employees are kept secure and confidential.

Can Employees Appeal Or Challenge A Work Authorization Verification Decision Made By Their Employer Or The State Agency in New Hampshire?

Yes, employees can challenge a work authorization decision made by their employer or the state agency in New Hampshire. Employees can file an appeal within 30 days of the initial decision. The appeal must be submitted in writing and should include supporting evidence. Employees may also contact the New Hampshire Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs for assistance.

What Resources Or Guidelines Are Available To Employers To Navigate State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Department of Labor (NH DOL) provides employers with resources and guidelines to navigate work authorization verification requirements. The NH DOL offers an online e-verify program which helps employers verify an employee’s work authorization status. The NH DOL also provides guidance on the proper completion of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) which is required for all newly hired employees in New Hampshire. Employers may also contact the NH DOL directly with questions about the state’s work authorization verification requirements. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides an employer’s guide to Form I-9, which helps employers understand the form and its instructions.

How Do State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements Affect Employers Who Have Remote Or Distributed Workforces in New Hampshire?

State-level work authorization verification requirements can affect employers who have remote or distributed workforces in New Hampshire in two primary ways.

First, employers must ensure that all of their remote employees who work in New Hampshire have the necessary legal authorization to do so. This includes verifying the identity and eligibility of the employee to work in the United States, such as checking that they possess a valid Social Security Number, valid visa or other permit, and any other necessary documentation. Additionally, employers must comply with the e-verify system to confirm that their employees are legally authorized to work in New Hampshire.

Second, employers with remote or distributed workforce in New Hampshire must be aware of and follow any additional state-specific requirements related to work authorization verification. These can include providing additional documentation upon request, such as a picture ID or valid visa. Additionally, employers should be aware of changes in federal and/or state laws that can affect their obligations when it comes to verifying the eligibility of their remote employees.

Can States Impose Additional Documentation Requirements Beyond What Federal Law Mandates For Work Authorization Verification in New Hampshire?

Yes, states can impose additional documentation requirements for work authorization verification beyond what federal law mandates. In New Hampshire, employers are required to check employees’ eligibility to work in the United States by completing Form I-9 and collecting certain documents as proof of identity and employment eligibility. Additional requirements may be imposed by state or local governments, such as providing a driver’s license or other valid state-issued identification.

How Do State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements Interact With Federal I-9 Verification Requirements in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, state-level work authorization verification requirements must follow and comply with federal I-9 verification requirements. Federal I-9 verification requirements are enforced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). All employers in New Hampshire must comply with the federal I-9 form and its related processes. The state of New Hampshire has additional documentation requirements for employers in certain industries, most notably agriculture. However, these additional requirements are not in conflict with the federal I-9 form and processes.

Are There Legal Challenges Or Controversies Related To State-Level Work Authorization Verification Laws in New Hampshire?

Yes. As of May 2021, there are two ongoing legal challenges related to state-level work authorization verification laws in New Hampshire. The first challenge was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH) and the New Hampshire chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC-NH) in 2018. The lawsuit claimed that the state’s “E-Verify” law – which requires employers to use federal E-Verify software to check the work authorization status of their employees – is unconstitutional. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, holding that the law violated the state’s constitutional Anti-Discrimination Clause by imposing a greater burden on employers in New Hampshire than on those in other states. The ruling was appealed, and the case is still ongoing.

The second challenge was brought by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) in 2020. The lawsuit claims that a laws enacted by the state legislature that require certain public employers to use E-Verify to check the work authorization status of employees violates the state’s constitution and violates federal law. This case is also still pending.

Can Employers Face Legal Repercussions If They Incorrectly Verify Or Refuse Employment Based On Work Authorization in New Hampshire?

Yes. Employers in New Hampshire can face legal repercussions if they incorrectly verify or refuse employment based on work authorization. The New Hampshire Civil Rights Act (NHCRA) prohibits employers from discriminating against protected classes of individuals, including those individuals who are deemed to have valid work authorization. Additionally, the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their citizenship status or national origin. Any employer found to have violated these laws may be subject to fines, civil damages, and other legal penalties.

How Can Employers Stay Informed About Changes Or Updates To State-Level Work Authorization Verification Requirements in New Hampshire?

Employers in New Hampshire can stay informed about changes or updates to state-level work authorization verification requirements by visiting the New Hampshire Department of Labor’s website. Additionally, employers may wish to sign up for the Department’s email alerts to learn about updates on a regular basis. Employers may also find useful information in guidance issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Where Can Employers And Employees Find Information And Support To Understand And Comply With State-Level Work Authorization Verification Laws in New Hampshire?

Employers and employees in New Hampshire can find more information and support about state-level work authorization verification laws from the New Hampshire Department of Labor (NHDOL). The NHDOL’s website provides resources and tools to help employers and employees understand their legal responsibilities when it comes to verifying work authorization. Additionally, the Department can be contacted directly with any questions or concerns.