Employers use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form.

On the form, an employee must attest to his or her employment authorization. The employee must also present his or her employer with acceptable documents evidencing identity and employment authorization. The employer must examine the employment eligibility and identity documents an employee presents to determine whether the documents reasonably appear to be genuine and to relate to the employee—and then record the document information on the Form I-9.

The list of acceptable documents can be found on the last page of the form. Employers must retain Form I-9 for a designated period and make it available for inspection by authorized government officers.

In Tennessee, as in all other states, employers are required to use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of every individual they hire, regardless of citizenship status. The process involves the new employee providing documentation that proves their identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. The employer is responsible for reviewing these documents to ensure they are valid and genuine, and for recording the information on the Form I-9. The form must be kept on file by the employer for a specified period of time and must be produced upon request for inspection by authorized government officials, such as those from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, or the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER). Failure to comply with these requirements can result in legal penalties for the employer. It's important to note that while the Form I-9 requirements are mandated by federal law, state agencies in Tennessee may also conduct audits and enforce compliance.