The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal aliens by requiring the verification of an applicant's identity and eligibility for employment prior to hiring. Documents that will satisfy both the employment authorization and identity requirements of the law include a US passport, a certificate of US citizenship, a certificate of naturalization, or a resident alien card or other alien registration card that contains a photograph. A record of each employment eligibility verification must be maintained on Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification).
