Walking While Foreign: Documenting Immigration Status in 2025

Kathleen Campbell Walker, Jan. 7, 2025

"As we approach 2025 with the threat of impending mass deportation[1] of those without legal immigration status in the United States (U.S.), it is important for foreign nationals lawfully here to remember what documents they are obligated to maintain in their possession under federal law. In addition, any assessment of legal status by law enforcement officials must appreciate the multitude of immigration statuses and related documentation they must be capable of recognizing. Consider the issue of determining work authorization for employers during the completion of Form I-9. Employers have a plethora of resources to assist them, such as the M-274 Handbook for Employers[2], I-9 Central[3] website, and the E-Verify[4] website.    Recently, Form I-9’s list of acceptable documents to prove work authorization referenced in List C was updated by adding a link to numerous examples of employment authorization document types issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This point is relevant to underscore the broad scope of documents issued just for proof of legal work authorization in the U.S. ..."