The McCafferty Career Center is dedicated to helping all students regardless of their immigration status. We understand that undocumented students face unique challenges, below are some resources to support you both throughout your time at Emmanuel and post-graduate. Please meet with your Career Advisor for any questions you may have as you navigate your career in the U.S.

As a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you will be provided a work permit also known as ab Employment Authorization card which can provide you with many employment opportunities.

  • Employers cannot ask DACA recipients for different work authorization documents
  • An employer cannot reject work authorization documents because of your citizenship status or national origin

Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 617-975-9104 | cdi@emmanuel.edu

What is Form I-9 and why does my employer use it? The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) requires employers to verify that all newly hired employees present “facially valid” documentation verifying the employee’s identity and right to work in the United States. In other words, federal law requires your employer to have each newly hired employee (hired after November 6, 1986) complete an I-9 form. The employer must show the completed forms to enforcement officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if asked for them.

What documents do I need to satisfy the I-9 requirements? You are required to show documentation that proves your identity and authorization to work. “List A” documents establish both identity and employment authorization. A work permit is a photo ID that proves you are authorized to work. Therefore, you only need your work permit to satisfy the I-9 requirements. Visit the USCIS website for all I-9 acceptable documents.

Should I tell my employer that I have a new work permit? If you currently have a job, you do not need to offer your new employment authorization card (work permit) or any other information. However, if you are starting a new job or your previous card is expiring, you are obligated to show your employer that you have the right to work.

Can an employer reject me because my work authorization expires in the future? No, this is a form of employment discrimination.

Do I need a driver’s license and/or Social Security number to work? No. Your work permit is sufficient identification to prove your identity and employment authorization in the U.S. However, obtaining a Social Security number and state driver’s license (or state ID) can be helpful as additional identification, for obtaining a loan and other benefits.

What is E-Verify and how does it affect me? Some employers will use E-Verify at the time of hire to confirm that their workers have permission to work. The internet-based system uses I-9 information to make this determination. An employer’s use of E-Verify could be considered discriminatory if it is only used to check some (but not all) employees. Learn more about E-Verify >>

When applying, interviewing and starting a new job, do I need to tell the employer about DACA or how I received my work permit? No. The only thing the employer needs to know is that you have an employment authorization card (work permit). The employer does not need to know how or why you received one. The work permit gives you the right to work.

What can I do if I believe that I’m being discriminated against in the work place? There is help available to you. Contact the Justice Department’s Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices. OSC can answer your questions and even call the employer when appropriate. Call 1-800-255-7688 or visit the Justice Department website.

My (Un) Documented Life – Community for undocumented immigrants, including scholarship opportunities, strategies for navigating the educational system and information on how to apply for DACA.

Legal Resources

Sidebar

Featured Articles

Featured Classes

Presentations

Improve your ability to communicate big ideas to clients, teams, and execs by honing your presentation skills! Gain access to…

Networking & Outreach

Utilize practical exercises and advice from successful professionals to grow your network, build your professional community, represent your organization, and…

Clarifying Expectations

What questions do you need to ask to get the job done correctly? Improve your ability to communicate with your…

Goal Setting

Setting relevant and precise goals is a recipe for career success—but where do you start? Learn how to choose which…

Giving & Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a two-way street — this course helps prepare you to thoughtfully give and receive constructive feedback with team…

LinkedIn Overview

Learn how to harness all of LinkedIn’s features in order to optimize your job search, expand your network, and maximize…

Informational Interviews

Careers aren’t built alone! Informational interviews are a key tool in your professional toolbelt: learn how to leverage the peers…

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Explore the essential roles and functions you’ll be collaborating with at top companies, then dive into best practices for leading…

Requesting Time Off

Nervous about requesting time off from work? Not sure how to ask your manager? Get the essential information and templates…

Career Exploration

Finding your career path doesn’t have to be a headache! Learn the difference between constructive and overwhelming questions to ask…

Cover Letters

When used correctly, a cover letter can be a valuable companion to your resume. This course will provide the samples…

Interviewing

Prepare to ace the interview! Dive into interview fundamentals, secrets to making a great first impression on employers, and how…

Professional Writing & Organization

Take a deep dive into the unspoken dos and don’ts of professional communication with coworkers, customers, managers, and more! Then,…

Presence & Professionalism

Whether you’re in the office, joining a remote meeting, or attending a work event, how you show up matters! Demystify…

Getting to Know Your Manager & Team

Navigating a new workplace is a challenge. Start your new role with confidence by asking the right questions on (and…

Hiring Process & Offer Evaluation

Upgrade your hire-ability by demystifying the hiring process from application to offer.

Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Returning Veterans

This course is a collaboration between FourBlock and Columbia University, powered by T-Mobile. The course will focus on the development…

Resumes

Get seen by employers and put your best foot forward in the application process by unlocking key hacks and tips…

Contact & Location

Phone
617-735-9930
Address

Leslie Ferrick McCafferty Career Center
WSC 316
400 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Hours

Monday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm