Cutting-edge platforms are popping up to help HR manage employment-related immigration issues.
Employers must verify that their employees are authorized to work in the U.S. However, keeping up with rapidly changing immigration policies is challenging for organizations and can cause headaches and sleepless nights for HR; and gaps in capturing and storing the right documents and information is putting more companies at risk for audits. However, technology is emerging to improve communication on immigration issues, capture information faster and more accurately, and identify gaps in documentation.
Vendors such as LawLogix are building new technology interfaces for HR personnel and foreign nationals. This is designed to make finding necessary documents or information easier and enable better communication with foreign nationals during the application process. Elsewhere, Pearl Immigration is a new cloud-based technology aimed at giving HR teams access to the latest immigrant rules, regulations, tools, training materials, and resources. This platform connects with the ImmigrationTracker case management system that enables users to check a case’s status in real time, as well as securely upload documents.
To date, there are several companies working to provide technology to help HR with immigration-related issues. In addition to LawLogix, ImmigrationTracker, and INSZoom, companies such as Docketwise, Prima Facie, CampLegal, MIMS, and LaborLess are offering automated solutions.
On the government side, E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This provides an automated link to government records to help employers confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. While E-Verify is voluntary for most employers, it is required for some federal contractors and employers in any of the 21 states that have enacted legislation requiring the system’s use. Even if you’re in a state that doesn’t required the use of E-Verify, it is worth getting to know it. Employers can pick and choose which of their locations to sign up for E-Verify, and one location may create new cases for all of its sites.
