Immigrant Worker Protection Act (IWPA)

Washington employers should take immediate steps to comply with the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, which takes full effect October 1.

The law establishes new requirements when a federal agency issues a notice to inspect employees’ I-9 employment eligibility records. Employers must inform workers within five business days of receiving the inspection notice.

Act by October 1:

• Download and display the required workplace poster in an area visible to all workers.
• Review the Attorney General’s employer guidance.
• Download the model notices provided for I-9 inspections and affected employees.
• Make sure the appropriate staff understand the five-business-day notification requirement.

The Attorney General’s Office provides the poster, model notices, and employer guidance in multiple languages. BIAW opposed the law because of concerns about the requirements placed on employers. Now that the law is taking effect, members should review the official resources and prepare their workplaces for compliance.

• Washington Attorney General’s IWPA guidance, poster, and model notices; 
• Attorney General’s employer-compliance announcement