Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/145038
b ack of f i ce Employee checklist B usinesses can use the hiring process as a way to determine if an applicant is legally qualified to work in the United States. Diane Biersteker, president of Human Resources Consulting LLC in Green Bay, advises employers to take these steps: 1. Have all applicants fill out an application that includes the question "Can you legally work in the United States?" about someone's legal status to work in the U.S., we recommend our clients contact us to determine the correct steps. If we are unsure, then we always recommend getting the advice of a trained labor attorney." Lacy says immigration is an important issue for employers since it not only means taking additional steps during the hiring process, but also making sure there are enough available workers for in-demand jobs. "Even if nothing happens with the current legislation, enforcement is definitely being stepped up," he says. "There's also a lot more resources being put towards enforcement so site visits can be done to make sure employers are being compliant." Biersteker hasn't heard of many companies in the region having difficulty with undocumented workers, but she's heard of some businesses that have used staffing agencies to help fill openings and discovered those workers couldn't produce the necessary documents required by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) when offered a full-time permanent job with the company. "That is very frustrating for me and our clients. Several years ago I went through an INS raid at a client location where the temps were proven to be illegal and were immediately deported," Biersteker says. Stiff fines may be imposed for employers who violate immigration laws. In some areas, employers have a 18 | / insight on manufacturing • July 2013 difficult time finding enough workers, so they look to individuals who are authorized to work in the United States with a special visa. But as Lacy points out, the quota for people to get that visa fills up quickly. H-1B visas are given to skilled workers who have at least a bachelor's degree and are working in a job that requires that degree. In 2013, the government received 120,000 applications for the 60,000 available visas. Congress is also looking at 2. If an employee receives an offer, make sure that offer includes a sentence stating the job is contingent on the person providing documentation they can work in the United States. 3. On the first day of work, the new employee needs to fill out an I-9 and then the company should verify that information with the Social Security Administration. increasing the number of available H-1B visas so more workers can apply for employment in the U.S. One idea now being tossed around is the creation of a skilled worker visa. "This would be a great addition since professions like a CNC machinist aren't covered by the current visa structure," Lacy says. "Machinists are in short supply and if employers can tap additional talent from overseas, that is good for businesses." We've Got Connections Meet the Busi Business Demands of Today's Market. The Port of Green Bay can help your business import and export materials to and from the Great Lakes, East coast or international markets. Using the Port's connections to an extensive network of highways and railroads means your goods move faster and keeps your business moving forward. Learn how we can help improve business operations. 920.492.4950 | www.portofgreenbay.com | FTZ #167 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g .c o m