In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinstated the term “alien” in the latest edition of Form I-9, the mandatory Employment Eligibility Verification document required of all U.S. employers. This move, implemented under the Trump administration, reverses a 2023 change made by the Biden administration that had replaced “alien” with the more inclusive term “noncitizen.”
The revised Form I-9, now bearing the edition date 01/20/2025, instructs foreign workers to identify themselves using the statutory term “an alien authorized to work.” This change aligns the form’s language with existing immigration statutes and reflects a broader return to traditional terminology within federal documentation. The update has already drawn attention across immigration, legal, and advocacy communities, where terminology is often viewed through the lens of inclusion and respect.
Key Updates in the Revised Form I-9:
Section 1 Checkbox Change: The fourth checkbox in Section 1 now reads “An alien authorized to work.”
Updated Document Descriptions: Two documents listed under List B in the Lists of Acceptable Documents have received revised descriptions.
Language Updates: The form includes updated statutory references and a revised DHS Privacy Notice to reflect the current terminology.
E-Verify Alignment: As of April 3, 2025, these changes are also reflected in the E-Verify and E-Verify+ systems. During case creation, the Citizenship Status field now displays “An alien authorized to work.”
Edition Validity:
While the new form is now in effect, previous editions remain valid under certain conditions:
Form I-9 (08/01/2023 edition): Valid through 05/31/2027
Form I-9 (08/01/2023 edition): Also valid through 07/31/2026, provided employers update internal systems to reflect the correct expiration date by July 31, 2026
Employer and Employee Responsibilities:
Form I-9 must be completed for every individual hired in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. Employees are required to present documentation that proves both their identity and authorization to work in the U.S. Employers are responsible for reviewing these documents to ensure authenticity and relevance.
Implications:
The reintroduction of “alien” reflects a broader administrative approach to immigration terminology and may influence future policy communications and public discourse. Employers, HR professionals, and foreign workers are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated form and ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
For more details or to access the updated Form I-9, visit the USCIS website.
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