If you own a small business, you want the best of the best working for you. And most entrepreneurs don't care where someone is from, so long as they can make the business the best it can be. But if you're looking at hiring non-U.S. citizens, federal and state immigration statutes can make that fairly difficult.
Here's what small business owners need to know about immigration laws, from our archives:
1. 3 Tips for Hiring Immigrants
At the same time that more employers are looking at immigrants to fill positions in startups, federal immigration officials are cracking down on undocumented workers. Make sure you e-Verify your hires and have them all complete an I-9 form, but be careful not to discriminate against immigrant applicants. Learn more here.
2. Penalties for Hiring Illegal Immigrants and Discriminating Against Legal Ones
As careful as employers must be to not hire undocumented workers, they can also get in trouble for discriminating against recent immigrants in the hiring process. It's illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals based on their national origin, citizenship, or immigration status, and the penalties can be serious.
3. Can Startups Sponsor H1B Visas?
'The Holy Grail of Visas' is notoriously difficult to secure, mostly due to the filing requirements that both the prospective employee and the employer must meet. And these requirements can be especially difficult for startups. It's not impossible, however, so find out what your startup needs to do.
4. Foreign Entrepreneurs: Start Up Your Immigration Under This New Rule
Sometimes it's the business owners who need assistance with immigration and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is here to help. The new International Entrepreneur Rule grants foreign nationals temporary relief if their immigration "would provide a significant public benefit through the substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation."
5. 3 Recent Immigration Law Developments That Could Affect Your Small Business
Make sure you're up to date on the latest immigration law issues, and where the law currently stands.
If you have more immigration or hiring questions, get in touch with a local employment law attorney today.
Related Resources:
- Find Employment Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- How to Sponsor a Foreign Worker for a Green Card (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Feds Give Employers Guidance on Form I-9 Audits (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- E-Verify for Small Businesses: Is It Required? (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
