What is the role of the employee in the I-9 process?

The role of the employee in the I-9 process is essential and primarily involves completing their section of the I-9 form and providing the necessary documentation that establishes their identity and work authorization. This procedure ensures compliance with federal immigration laws, as it is the employee's responsibility to provide accurate information regarding their eligibility to work in the United States.

When an employee fills out their section of the I-9 form, they must attest to their citizenship or immigration status and present specific documents from the lists identified in the instructions. These documents are crucial, as they substantiate the claims made in the I-9 form. The successful completion of this step is pivotal to the overall employment verification process, as it lays the groundwork for the employer to assess and confirm the employee's eligibility to work.

This process is collaborative between the employer and the employee; while the employer has specific responsibilities in verifying the documentation, the onus is on the employee to provide truthful and complete information along with the appropriate proof of identity and work authorization.