Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices

Verifying the Employment Eligibility of Your Employees Without Committing Unlawful Discrimination. Did you know that your business must review documentation from each new hire to verify that he or she is eligible to work in the United States? This obligation applies even to small businesses that employ one employee!

Did you also know that employers that verify the employment eligibility of employees in a discriminatory manner are subject to discrimination complaints, civil penalties, back pay awards, and attorney's fees?

Click here for simple tips to help guide businesses through this process.

Information, Training and Counseling for Small Businesses

	Handbook for Employers. Instructions for Completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form, published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the Department of Homeland Security.
	The SBA's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments. It is SBA's largest resource partner and an initiative that enhances economic development by providing small businesses with management and technical assistance. Visit the SBDC web site to find your local SBDC office.
	The "sbdcnet" is an information clearinghouse that connects the SBDC community. It is a joint effort of the SBDC program, the Association of SBDCs and the University of Texas San Antonio. The information on the site is useful for all small business operators. Information categories include: getting started; demographics; company information; inventing; international trade; veterans; industry research; finance; e-commerce; home business; human resources; small business trends; business plans; marketing; government procurement; franchise; tax and accounting; and minority and women issues.
	ELAWS is a U.S. Department of Labor web site providing employment law assistance for workers and small businesses. The elaws Advisors are interactive tools that provide information about Federal employment laws. Each Advisor simulates an interaction between you and an employment law expert. It asks questions and provides answers based on your responses.
	EEOC Information for Small Businesses. While the information on this page applies to all employers, it has been specifically designed for small businesses, which may not have a human resources department or a specialized EEO staff.
	The ADA Business Connection. This site provides links for businesses regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.