What is a risk related to unfair hiring practices concerning the I-9 form?

The risk associated with unfair hiring practices concerning the I-9 form primarily relates to inadvertently discriminating based on citizenship status. This discrimination can occur if employers improperly favor certain applicants over others based on their citizenship or national origin, especially during the I-9 verification process. The I-9 form requires employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees, but care must be taken to apply this verification uniformly to all applicants.

Federal laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), prohibit employment discrimination against individuals on the basis of citizenship status or national origin. Therefore, if employers are not careful in their hiring practices and inadvertently apply different standards or more stringent requirements to certain individuals, they risk legal consequences and potential claims of discrimination. This underscores the importance of using fair and consistent procedures when verifying employment eligibility through the I-9 process, ensuring all candidates are treated equally regardless of their background.