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Employers can sometimes be confused by details of the process used to hire workers, especially those employers who depend on seasonal workers, according to Mid-American Ag and Hort Services (MAAHS). The I-9 process as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires specific steps that employers must take to ensure applicants are eligible to work in the United States.

Many forms and guidelines are available on the Internet for employers’ use. Making the process even more confusing is that some changes to the "approved document list" that prospective employees can provide are not reflected on the current I-9 form. Visit the Featured Links section at www.ofbf.org for links to the Web sites suggested by MAAHS.

John Wargowsky, MAAHS executive director, also suggests that employers remember to complete the I-9 form after hiring and before the employee starts work; treat all employees the same (if you copy documents for one, copy for all); and do not request specific eligibility documents as any on the approved list must be accepted.

To make sure you’re following the I-9 process completely, consult a labor specialist or contact Wargowsky at 614-667-4530 or e-mail labor@ofbf.org.

Mid American Ag and Hort Services is a consortium of associations, organizations and employers organized to meet the educational, compliance assistance and labor recruiting needs of agricultural and other employers in Ohio and Indiana. It provides educational materials, seminars, telephone consultation, guestworker recruiting programs and more to its members.