Employment verification is the law

I was filing an application for a job this weekend and I had to fill in an I-9 form.  

To complete the Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification), an employee must present original, proof of identity — U.S. passport, EAD with photo, anything else has conditions … even Social Security cards or driver's licenses. 

Employers must examine the documents in the employee's physical presence (unless using a DHS-authorized remote procedure like E-Verify). At least three bills were recently considered in Idaho. As of mid-March 2026, SB 1247 has passed the Senate and moved to the House Business Committee. HB 704 and HB 700 have passed the House and moved to the Senate. 

Hiring illegals is primarily a violation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA).  

This is the law.  

Time to stand for enforcing the law.

Time to use modern tools such as E-Verify to apply this law equally without more effort on local resources.

Remember to watch as your legislators vote on these bills.

And remember who they are on Election Day, May 19.

RICH NEEL

Sandpoint