According to the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS), Current Population Survey (CPS) data show that the number of undocumented people increased to approximately 11.7 million in July 2023.

Undocumented immigrants are not permitted to work in the United States, but they are still protected by labor laws. They still have employment rights, regardless of citizenship status, and it is illegal to discriminate against any worker based on immigration or citizenship status under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Can employers hire undocumented immigrants? Amazon is one of the most prominent US companies that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. If you’re wondering if Amazon hires undocumented immigrants, the short answer is that the company cannot hire anyone without proper I-9 paperwork, which includes proof of work authorization and identity verification.

Employers use the I-9, or Employment Eligibility Verification Form, to verify the identity and work authorization of individuals they hire.

In this article, we will discuss how a person’s immigration status affects employment opportunities.

Understanding Amazon’s Hiring Policies

Amazon’s hiring policies emphasize diversity, compliance with federal and state laws, and an inclusive culture that welcomes all candidates from diverse backgrounds. The company’s diversity commitment fosters innovation and creativity in the workplace.

Amazon actively hires underrepresented candidates, believing that diverse perspectives enhance business operations. Amazon hires based on key skills and competencies rather than education or experience.

The Legal Implications of Hiring Undocumented Workers

Hiring illegal immigrants can result in significant legal risks and potential consequences for a company.

If you employ illegal immigrants without proper documentation, you can face some severe penalties, such as heavy fines and regular audits by federal agencies. These consequences can result in not only a severe loss of reputation for your company but also a significant drop in employee morale and trust in the workplace.

There are several health, safety, and worker rights implications when employing illegal workers. Employers must verify workers’ eligibility, which requires strict adherence to immigration laws.

Employers who choose to hire undocumented immigrants may face legal issues as a result of the employee’s immigration status. Visit https://www.sumwaltgrouplaw.com/ for more information and guidance about the legal implications of hiring undocumented workers.

The Role of Background Checks in Employment

Employers frequently deal with various issues, including conducting extensive background checks on potential hires. Background checks help to maintain a safe and legally compliant workplace by assessing any criminal history, employment gaps, and qualification discrepancies among job applicants.

Information verification is a method of mitigating agreed-upon risks associated with employment, such as theft, violence, or liability.

Background checks confirm a worker’s eligibility to work in the United States, which is critical to avoiding future legal issues.

The checks play an important role in providing comfort to your business through the creation of a safe working environment and the development of a dependable team that aligns with your company’s values and mission.

Employee Experiences and Testimonies

Numerous Amazon employees have shared their employment stories at the company, highlighting undocumented workers’ unique challenges and potential. Other people see the appeal of the company, as it promotes freedom and offers a reasonable wage to support their families.

Some Amazon employees find management understanding, while others see it as biased. Uncertainty remains for the employment of undocumented immigrants, as they face legal risks, job insecurity, and the constant fear of deportation.

Resources for Job Seekers in the Gig Economy

What resources are available for job seekers in the gig economy? You can explore online platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit to search for an opportunity to work on a freelance basis according to your capacity.

Many gig workers who are already seeking alternative sources of income could share their experiences, providing leads on available job opportunities. Community boards or apps like Nextdoor may be able to connect you with local job opportunities.

Be proactive and try to attend industry meetups, networking events, or webinars to meet potential clients and collaborators.

Use websites such as Glassdoor or Indeed to prepare for contract negotiations or company research before starting work.