Border chief scolded for not following hiring law

(1:32 p.m.)By Suzanne Gamboa / The Associated Press
Posted: 05/13/2010 01:28:03 PM MDT

WASHINGTON - The head of Customs and Border Protection says he didn't know he's required by law to complete a form saying he verified that his household employees were eligible to work in the U.S.

Commissioner Alan Bersin says he collected from 10 household employees hired since 1993 Social Security cards, drivers licenses and other documents to make sure they could work in the U.S.

But he did not fill out and keep a particular form, known as an I-9, which is signed by employer and employee and details documents accepted to verify the employee's legal status.

Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they are surprised by that, because Bersin was a U.S. attorney.

Obama named Bersin commissioner through 2011 during a congressional recess. He must be confirmed by the Senate to serve longer.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15077346