Border chief scolded for not following hiring law

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Alan Bersin, commissioner of U.S. 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.

Bersin said he collected Social Security cards, driver’s licenses and other documents from 10 household employees he has hired since 1993, 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 the employer and employee and details documents accepted to verify the employee’s legal status.

Members of the Senate Finance Committee said 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.

-- Associated Press