When I onboard people, I’m required to see proof of identity and proof of authorization to work in the US, as well as make copies for INS audit purposes. A passport covers both of those requirements, but for people that do not have a passport, a DL and a social security card are the most common, followed by a DL and birth certificate. One is a photo ID from an official source, the other shows either US citizenship or something saying you’re allowed to work as a non citizen (aka a green card).
I wouldn’t say most, most will just ask for your SSN. They absolutely do not need the card for any reason whatsoever.
bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 4 weeks ago
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
You’re required to see proof of identity and authorization to work, however you are NOT required to see the social security card specifically, nor are you legally allowed to require it of your prospective employees. And even if they do bring their social security card for you to verify, you are NOT required to make your own copy of it unless you’re reviewing it remotely.
bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 4 weeks ago
It sounds like some employers/HR outfits are just grossly misinformed then. The I9 form directions are pretty clear in what is required and/or acceptable, and this documentation is only required for I9 purposes, other than a DL for a driving related job. Companies are not necessarily required to have copies of the I9 identity documents used on file, but it is good practice in case of an audit, which is why most companies do it (a CYA basically). In theory, if someone reports a company because they suspect they’re employing people unauthorized to work in the US, providing copies of the documents you used for the I9 verification shows that your did your due diligence and they’re more likely to leave you alone.
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
Yes, any employer/HR outfits that tell you that they require your social security card are grossly misinformed, as that would not be legal.
blitzen@lemmy.ca 4 weeks ago
A social security card is among the documents required when getting a job. It’s not specifically mandatory, but a document that proves employment eligibility is, and a social security card meets that requirement.
So you can be on your high horse, but if you won’t provide your social security card you’re gonna need something else that meets the resident, like passport or birth certificate.
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
The employer can view a social security card or birth certificate, but they DO NOT need to retain a copy of it. And you can provide a number of documents in place of a social security card. It is absolutely not legal to require a social security card for work eligibility, it’s simply one of the options an employee may present.
I have worked many jobs legally in the U.S, several of which required extensive background checking and identity verification. Never once have I been required to present a social security card.
blitzen@lemmy.ca 4 weeks ago
We’re splitting hairs here. It is a legal requirement to provide work elibility. If you provide a passport, or if you provide an ID and birth certificate, that sufficies. But many people choose ID and social security card. And yes, employers keep copies of work eligibility on file.
So I guess my question is, is your objection really to the act of asking for a lightweight cardboard card?
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
Then I would suggest you not try to split hairs. It is not a legal requirement to provide an employer with your social security card, and they do not need to keep copies of any of your identifying documents on file. These two preceding statements are objectively and inarguably true. Any argument of “Well you can always CHOOSE to provide them” is neither here nor there. I can choose to provide my social security card to a crackhead on the street corner, but that has nothing to do with legal requirements either.