What does the acronym IRCA stand for in the context of U.S. immigration law?

The acronym IRCA stands for the Immigration Reform and Control Act. This significant piece of legislation, enacted in 1986, was designed to address various issues related to immigration and employment in the United States. IRCA aimed to prevent the hiring of undocumented workers by requiring employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. It also provided a pathway to legal status for certain undocumented immigrants who had been present in the U.S. since specific cutoff dates, contributing to significant changes in immigration policy and enforcement.

Understanding this act is essential for anyone studying U.S. payroll and employment laws, as it lays the groundwork for how employers must handle immigration status verification and maintain compliance with employment regulations. This framework greatly impacts payroll practices, as employers must ensure they adhere to the guidelines established by IRCA to avoid penalties.