I-9 regulatory compliance originated under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986. Congress passed IRCA in an effort to control illegal immigration.

IRCA forbids employers from knowingly hiring individuals who do not have authorization to work in the United States. Employers are also forbidden from hiring any individual without verifying their identity and employment authorization.

The regulations concerning employment eligibility verification, as well as sanctions for employers, are found in Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).