Understanding Continuing Employment (Immigration): A Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

The term "continuing employment" in the context of immigration refers to the legal obligation of employers in the United States. Specifically, it means that once an employer hires an individual who is not a U.S. citizen, they must ensure that the individual remains authorized to work. If the employer knows that the employee has become unauthorized for work, continuing to employ them is unlawful.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if an employer hires a foreign worker with a valid work visa, they must keep track of the visa's expiration date. If the visa expires and the employer is aware of it, continuing to employ that individual would be illegal. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Differences
Employment Authorization The legal permission for a non-citizen to work in the U.S. Continuing employment focuses on the employer's obligations once employment has begun, while employment authorization pertains to the employee's eligibility to work.
Unauthorized Alien A person who is not legally permitted to work in the U.S. Continuing employment deals with the employer's knowledge and actions regarding unauthorized aliens.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are an employer, ensure you have proper documentation for all employees, especially non-citizens. Regularly check the work authorization status of your employees. If you find that an employee has become unauthorized, seek legal advice on how to proceed. For those needing assistance with documentation, US Legal Forms offers various templates that can help you manage these requirements effectively.

Quick facts

  • Typical penalties for non-compliance can include fines and legal action.
  • Jurisdiction: Federal law governs employment of non-citizens.
  • Employers must verify work authorization at hiring and monitor it thereafter.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

You may face legal penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges.