The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially dropped the controversial “no-match” rule, which required employers to fire workers if there was a discrepancy between a worker’s Social Security Number (SSN) and official government records. The rule also imposed penalties on employers who didn’t fire employees if the discrepancy wasn’t quickly explained.
Need in-depth yet practical information on staying compliant with California and federal laws? Get the information you need by joining us on November 4-6 in San Francisco for the 2009 California Employment Law Update conference.
Employers’ groups nationwide are praising DHS’ decision to scrap the “no-match” regulations, noting that the rule—originally enacted in 2007—has caused serious headaches for employers, and has resulted in many legal employees losing their jobs because of inaccurate and outdated government record databases.
The good news, however, may be a little bittersweet. DHS has stated that dropping the “no-match” rule doesn’t mean that the agency is easing up on immigration enforcement efforts. To the contrary, DHS has stated that it plans to put more inspectors into the field to investigate illegal workers.
This will very likely mean that, instead of focusing on catching individual workers who don’t have valid SSNs, the agency will put more employers under the microscope in an effort to find those companies that routinely hire illegal immigrants. The result will be that more law-abiding employers will have to undergo immigration inspections as part of DHS’ new enforcement efforts.
We’ll have more on what employers now have to do to verify employment eligibility in an upcoming issue of California Employer Advisor.
Navigating a Brave New World for HR
You’re an experienced HR professional. Your company depends on you to stay on top of new developments and make sure your policies and practices are in compliance. This year, the challenge is tougher than ever.
You face:
- A new president
- A new pro-employee administration and Congress
- Big changes to big laws, like FMLA and ADA
- Now-defunct same-sex marriage in California
- The looming threat of “easier than ever” unions
- U.S. Supreme Court rulings that expand employees’ rights to sue for retaliation
- New equal pay laws that could mean millions of new lawsuits
- Employees angry about layoffs, salary freezes, and rising benefits costs
- An economy where the only constant is decline
- The ongoing Brinkley/Brinker meal and rest breaks saga
It’s enough to make your head spin!
And let’s face it: in this economy, the last thing your company can afford is a devastatingly expensive lawsuit. Your risks have never been higher.
You’re up to the challenge—and we can help.
Now’s the time to arm yourself with the tools you need to succeed, to help your business flourish in the Brave New World of HR in 2009.
In this time of unprecedented change, you need, now more than ever, solid information. Informed advice. Practical tips from the experts who know your industry—and your state—best.
Join us for the fourth-annual ERI California Employment Law Update conference in San Francisco from November 4-6 for in-depth, comprehensive instruction on what you need to know now.
