To reduce discrimination risk, employers should avoid questions like “What is your national origin?” or “Are you a U.S. citizen?” in hiring, and instead ask neutrally whether the applicant is legally authorized to work in the United States and whether they will need sponsorship now or in the future. Because ICE and other agencies actively audit I‑9 compliance, employers should regularly confirm that they are using the current version of Form I‑9 and following the latest USCIS and DOJ guidance. E‑VERIFY E‑Verify is an online system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. Participating employers electronically compare information from an employee’s Form I‑9 with government databases to help confirm work authorization. • E‑Verify is free and, under federal law, generally voluntary , except where required by: • Certain federal contracts or subcontracts; or • Specific state or local laws or executive orders. • In Minnesota, E‑Verify use is voluntary for most private employers, but may be required for: • Certain state executive‑branch agencies; • Vendors and subcontractors on state contracts over specified thresholds; and • Some recipients of state business subsidy agreements, as defined by state policy or contract terms. Employees can also use E‑Verify Self Check service (now integrated into newer DHS tools) to review and correct their own records before applying to employers that use E‑Verify. Given the interplay between I‑9 rules, E‑Verify requirements, and anti‑discrimination protections, employers should: • Maintain consistent, non‑discriminatory I‑9 and E‑Verify practices. • Train staff responsible for hiring and verification. • Periodically audit internal I‑9 processes and consult current USCIS, ICE, and DOJ resources or legal counsel when in doubt.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
OVERVIEW The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Act is administered by the Occupational Safety and Health (MNOSHA) Division of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Its goal is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for Minnesota workers.
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