The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and E-Verify have released coordinated guidance to help employers properly complete employment eligibility verification forms for Haitian and Syrian TPS beneficiaries. This update provides clear instructions for handling I-9 compliance amid ongoing litigation affecting TPS designations for these countries.
Under the new guidance, employers hiring TPS beneficiaries from Haiti or Syria must complete Form I-9 with specific language. In Section 1, the expiration date field should contain "as per court order," while Section 2 requires employers to enter "July 1, 2026" as the expiration date for both Haitian and Syrian TPS holders. This standardized approach ensures consistency across all employers and prevents confusion during the verification process.
The updated guidance directly impacts employers who currently employ or are considering hiring individuals with TPS status from these countries. Employers should review their existing I-9 forms for affected employees and update their HR processes to incorporate these new requirements. Failure to properly complete employment eligibility verification can result in penalties and compliance issues during government audits.
This guidance reflects the complex legal landscape surrounding TPS designations, which are subject to court orders and ongoing litigation. The July 2026 date provides employers with a clear timeline while legal proceedings continue. Employers should stay informed about further updates to TPS policies and maintain accurate records to ensure continued compliance with federal employment verification requirements.