Harvard to share I-9 forms of university employees with DHS

Economic Times

2 days ago

Agencies Harvard University will hand over I-9 employment verification forms for most of its employees to the US Department of Homeland Security, as per a report by Harvard Crimson . The move follows a federal subpoena and inspection notice issued on July 8. The DHS initially asked for information related to staff working in Massachusetts Hall but later expanded the request to include all university employees from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025.
I-9 forms used to confirm work authorization
The I-9 form is a federal requirement for all US employers to verify an employee's legal authorization to work. Employees must declare their citizenship or immigration status and provide supporting documents. Harvard employs around 19,000 individuals, according to its website.
Student employment records may be exempt
As per the report, the university will not immediately turn over I-9 forms related to students in positions open only to students. Harvard is assessing whether these records fall under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects student education records.
Harvard requests confidentiality from DHS
In an internal email, Harvard Human Resources wrote, 'We have asked DHS to confirm that the records produced in response to this notice for any individual will be securely maintained by DHS and not shared outside DHS, that the documents will only be accessed by DHS personnel authorized to inspect such records, and that DHS will only use these records for the purposes authorized by law.'A university spokesperson declined to comment further on the situation.
Additional subpoenas target international students
DHS has also issued three separate subpoenas requesting information on international students' post-graduation employment, involvement in protests, and any disciplinary or criminal records. The Harvard International Office acknowledged the request and said it is evaluating it under applicable laws.'If the University determines we must provide such records that pertain to you, the University will contact you directly,' the HIO stated on its website.
Federal scrutiny tied to immigration crackdown
This is not the first time Harvard has come under federal review. Earlier this year, the DHS raised concerns about Harvard's role in hosting international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Just last week, the State Department opened a separate investigation into the university's handling of J-1 visas for international researchers and instructors.
Wider pattern of I-9 audits under Trump administration
The Trump administration has increased I-9 audits as part of its immigration enforcement efforts. These inspections have led to heavy penalties for other institutions and businesses found employing unauthorized workers. Harvard now joins a growing list of organizations facing intense regulatory scrutiny.
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