Reply #13: I have read that the problem is high quality fake IDs.

[amandabeech]

Employers must accept as valid all IDs that appear authentic on their face. My understanding is that only badly botched fakes may be rejected. There is apparently a booming business in fakes at the borders.

Under at least some circumstances, employers may check the validity of IDs after the employee is hired by calling the Social Security Administration or IRS. These agencies are able to tell employers the name and other identifying information associated with that SS# or IRS ID. It is possible that an employee named, for example, Juan Martinez claiming to have been born in San Antonio would have the SS# originally given out to Joseph Polanski of Warren, Michigan. However, this is rarely done, as I understand it.