By KRWG News
Las Cruces – On April 3, employers will begin using a new I-9 form.
That's the document required by the federal government to verify the identity of employees ..and whether they're authorized to work in the United States.
A Friday workshop in Las Cruces is designed to get companies ready for the change.
The New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership is holding the workshop at the Dona Ana County Community College Workforce Center. Pre-registration was required.
An attorney is teaching companies how to complete the new I-9 forms to avoid costly fines from the federal government.
The MEP reports that a similar workshop held earlier this month saved local employers from potential fines totaling some 1-point-6 million dollars.
All documents presented by a new employee must be unexpired and employers have to keep the I-9 form for every current worker.
For former employees, the I-9 must be kept for three years after the date of hire or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.