Employer is asking for specific type of ID

[missicy 87]

I just got a new job and on my first day I presented my Green Card to my employer. Today they asked to see a state issued ID and SS card. I told my supervisor that Green Card is on List A on I-9 and thus acceptable document that establishes both identity and employment authorization. She insisted that she needed to see state ID and then admitted that she had never dealt with a Green Card before, and said that she was going to check I-9 again.

I know that it states on I-9 that employer CANNOT specify which documents they will accept from an employee. I'm sure that people who have never seen a Green Card before feel more comfortable with state IDs but if I choose to present my GC they have to accept it, no questions asked. Is that right or is there any other reason why they would need to see state issued ID during the hiring process?

I just started this job and don't want them to think that I'm not trying to follow the rules (even though I am) so I'm just wondering what to do in case they insist on seeing a state ID (even though that would be illegal)?

[Adriene H 89]

I just got a new job and on my first day I presented my Green Card to my employer. Today they asked to see a state issued ID and SS card. I told my supervisor that Green Card is on List A on I-9 and thus acceptable document that establishes both identity and employment authorization. She insisted that she needed to see state ID and then admitted that she had never dealt with a Green Card before, and said that she was going to check I-9 again.

I know that it states on I-9 that employer CANNOT specify which documents they will accept from an employee. I'm sure that people who have never seen a Green Card before feel more comfortable with state IDs but if I choose to present my GC they have to accept it, no questions asked. Is that right or is there any other reason why they would need to see state issued ID during the hiring process?

I just started this job and don't want them to think that I'm not trying to follow the rules (even though I am) so I'm just wondering what to do in case they insist on seeing a state ID (even though that would be illegal)?

I don't know but I'd be asking that lady to check with her supervisor if she doesn't know

how to process a GC for employment

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I have the same exact problem when I try to show my passport for a job. I have to point out that it is a List A document and that if I show that it serves the same purpose as SSN and DL. I think it's just that they didn't know. I think you did a good job by politely insisting that the HR person look over the I-9 rules again. I am sure she'll realize her error and that'll be the end of it!

[Grant PDX 183]

I fill out I-9s for a lot of new employees. The most common forms of ID given are Drivers License (or state ID) and SS card. Most HR people get used to dealing with only those 2 (frankly, I've used my Passport for this when I start a new job, as I don't even know where my SS card is for the last couple of decades) but I've only EVER had state ID and SS card submitted to me.

Just having read through the I-9 directions, I would take the GC as an alternative. But they might have no experience with it. The I-9 is a DHS/USCIS form, and on page 3 of the form/directions it shows GC as an acceptable proof of identity and employment eligibility. You can push to have it accepted and they really should.

As a side note, I would get a state ID ASAP. It will make your life easier, as it will be accepted everywhere more easily than a GC, and it will be a lot easier to replace if lost. Leave your GC at home in a safe place.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I fill out I-9s for a lot of new employees. The most common forms of ID given are Drivers License (or state ID) and SS card. Most HR people get used to dealing with only those 2 (frankly, I've used my Passport for this when I start a new job, as I don't even know where my SS card is for the last couple of decades) but I've only EVER had state ID and SS card submitted to me.

Just having read through the I-9 directions, I would take the GC as an alternative. But they might have no experience with it. The I-9 is a DHS/USCIS form, and on page 3 of the form/directions it shows GC as an acceptable proof of identity and employment eligibility. You can push to have it accepted and they really should.

As a side note, I would get a state ID ASAP. It will make your life easier, as it will be accepted everywhere more easily than a GC, and it will be a lot easier to replace if lost. Leave your GC at home in a safe place.

Except that the LPR is REQUIRED to always carry the GC with them. Most do not, but it is the law. I had an employer ask for my DL and SSC and when I produced my passport they were like, "What is this?" To which I said it is my identy and proof of citizenship. "I Still need to see your DL and SSC." "No, you do not. The passport is a list A document and is all I need to show you. Besides my SSC is safe at home, so I cannot show it to you." That HR person finally realized that she was incorrect and accepted my passport. As stated above, most people get into a comfort zone and cannot handle anything outside of it. You can point out that the GC is harder to fake so you really are proving you are authorized to work and the instructions also state that the employer cannot ask for (a) specific document(s). She really needs to understand what the I-9 form is used for and its requirements if she is to hold that position. SIGH!.

My recommendation is to do whatever you want in regards to a state ID. Why should you have to wait in line to get one just to make other people's job easier. I guess I like to stir the pot a bit and make people actually do their job.

Good luck.

Dave

Edited February 7, 2012 by Dave&Roza

[Grant PDX 183]

My point on having the state ID make your life easier wasn't about employment. It's about any other situation where an ID might be requested. There are several nice restaurants I frequent and when I choose to sit in the bar area (because of lines for the dining room generally) they require an ID. They don't HAVE to accept a GC as proof. In fact they can choose to deny access to anyone for any reason. If they aren't familiar with GCs it might confuse or otherwise complicate what would have been an easy situation.

I know LPRs are required to carry their GC everywhere, but most do not and I'm unaware of any situation where it's been a problem when they didn't. But I do know I would hate to have one lost and need to get a replacement, my guess is the DMV might look easy in comparison?

I realize this strays somewhat from the original question, but having a state ID would have simplified the process for the OP and it will simplify many others.

You are correct that HR personnel SHOULD be aware, but I can't control other folks or what they think/understand so given that I can't, the easiest path would be for ME to make that type of situation easy for the other person - to simplify my own life.

There's what's RIGHT, and there's what's SIMPLE. Too many idiots out there, let me make it simple for them.

[missicy 87]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I get what you are saying, Grant n Karleen. Having a driver license/state ID would be easier for both me and them, but I don't have it (I'm in the process of getting driver license though) and they have to accept GC. I also understand that it's easier for them to ask for DL and SSC because that's what they're familiar with but I think it's their obligation as an employer to familiarize themselves with all acceptable documents so situations like this don't happen.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I get what you are saying, Grant n Karleen. Having a driver license/state ID would be easier for both me and them, but I don't have it (I'm in the process of getting driver license though) and they have to accept GC. I also understand that it's easier for them to ask for DL and SSC because that's what they're familiar with but I think it's their obligation as an employer to familiarize themselves with all acceptable documents so situations like this don't happen.

One thing we never did ask you--does your SSC have the "VALID FOR WORK WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION"? If so than you have to show your GC anyway. I understand what Grant n Karleen is saying, but there are times when you must make a stand when someone is feeding you a bunch of BS and I agree with you that they should know their job.

Dave

[missicy 87]

I have an unrestricted SSC and even showed it to them, along with my GC (even though SSC is not required when you present a GC) and they still asked to see ID/DL.

[Used to be broken 147]

I just got a new job and on my first day I presented my Green Card to my employer. Today they asked to see a state issued ID and SS card. I told my supervisor that Green Card is on List A on I-9 and thus acceptable document that establishes both identity and employment authorization. She insisted that she needed to see state ID and then admitted that she had never dealt with a Green Card before, and said that she was going to check I-9 again.

I know that it states on I-9 that employer CANNOT specify which documents they will accept from an employee. I'm sure that people who have never seen a Green Card before feel more comfortable with state IDs but if I choose to present my GC they have to accept it, no questions asked. Is that right or is there any other reason why they would need to see state issued ID during the hiring process?

I just started this job and don't want them to think that I'm not trying to follow the rules (even though I am) so I'm just wondering what to do in case they insist on seeing a state ID (even though that would be illegal)?

This is typical, I am USC and didn't have a current DL so I used my passport and it sent the HR people into a panic. Not sure why the I9 form lists

what documents to use.

If they insist on seeing a State ID, go on ILW.com and print out an article about the Big Fines they are giving employers for not going by the

I9 rules, that should help them understand.