Is it illegal to copy the certificate of Naturalization

The HR rep at my company wanted to make a copy of my Naturalization Certificate. When I pointed out that it is not possible to make a copy, they said that they have the legal authority to do it.
 
GeneM said:
The HR rep at my company wanted to make a copy of my Naturalization Certificate. When I pointed out that it is not possible to make a copy, they said that they have the legal authority to do it.
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Just curious - why did your company HR need a copy of your naturalization certificate? They should have just looked at your passport/ SS card for eligibility.
 
fitness99 said:
Just curious - why did your company HR need a copy of your naturalization certificate? They should have just looked at your passport/ SS card for eligibility.
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SSN card and a valid Driver's license are sufficient. No need to use the big weapons. It's like using a bazooka to shoot down a flier. :D
 
SSN and Drivers license dont tell if you are a US Citizen or have a Green Card. Some people with Green Cards still dont take the time to remove the work auth clause mentioned in the SSN card. You need a GC/Birth Cert/Passport

GeneM,
Your company is WRONG. Only the government has authority to authorize photocopies. So unless you company is a Govt agency, they are wrong. But guess what -> its their problem not yours.

I just faxed the Bio page of my US Pass to update company records
 
My SS card has no work clause on it

My SS card has no work clause on it, although I am in the process of changing it. I haven't changed it since I got my GC.
 
kashabasha said:
My SS card has no work clause on it, although I am in the process of changing it. I haven't changed it since I got my GC.
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SS cards issued before the early 90's did not have any work clause on them. However SS office recommends that you notify once you become a USPR or USC to update their database.
 
Rahul Kumar said:
SSN and Drivers license dont tell if you are a US Citizen or have a Green Card. Some people with Green Cards still dont take the time to remove the work auth clause mentioned in the SSN card. You need a GC/Birth Cert/Passport

GeneM,
Your company is WRONG. Only the government has authority to authorize photocopies. So unless you company is a Govt agency, they are wrong. But guess what -> its their problem not yours.

I just faxed the Bio page of my US Pass to update company records
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I believe, the I-9 USCIS form gives employer the authority to make copies of documents to verify employment eligibility in the U.S. It specifies employers may make copies but not required.

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-9.pdf (refer to the instructions)
 
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You're right....I-9 allows the employer to make copies of any documents for verification purposes...However I never had a problem using my SS card and my valid State driver's license, as advised by I-9 on list B and C. DL is for identification purposes, and SS card for employment verification.

Of course if you're SS card states that you must show USCIS documentation, you will have to use that documentation to prove your eligibility.
 
Rahul Kumar said:
SSN and Drivers license dont tell if you are a US Citizen or have a Green Card. Some people with Green Cards still dont take the time to remove the work auth clause mentioned in the SSN card. You need a GC/Birth Cert/Passport

GeneM,
Your company is WRONG. Only the government has authority to authorize photocopies. So unless you company is a Govt agency, they are wrong. But guess what -> its their problem not yours.

I just faxed the Bio page of my US Pass to update company records
Click to expand...

Thew told me that the change in my CZ status has to be documented. The company is not a government agency, by the way.
 
Photocopy of my country's drivers license

I'm very very cautios when it comes to following legal procedures. But today i think i got myself into some problem w.r.t photocopy issues.

I had a license from another country- since i had lost the original but i had a photocopy (colour copy laminated) - i went to the new jersey DMV office to get my NJ drivers license. They retained my photocopy- citing that as illegal. and said that they will send that for federal investigation.

Being new to this country i had no idea that i could not show the photocopy- and my only intent was to show that as a proof- since i was unable to get another original from my country (for that i would have to physically go in person to my country and get another license as they would have to retake my photograph) .

Now i am worried about the consequences. Even though my photocopy was from a valid- original license from my country.

Could somebody pls advise me on the consequences and what i can do about this.

Any advise would be appreciate- or if you could point me in the right direction.
 
Photocopying original documents are governed by laws of the issuing country. If this person's country had no law citing it was illegal to make copies then he has not broken laws. Also did he affirm at the dmv that this copy he was presenting them was
a true, original copy ? dont think so.

the dmv is giving him some BS about federal investigation. I think he must wait to hear back from the dmv before he gets anxious. if his NJ drv license is being delayed pending investigation then he better get a lawyer
 
From USCIS website

There is a note on the USCIS site regarding the copying of naturalization certificates. Here is the link:


http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/hdiorig.htm

NOTE: Although the law prohibits duplication of naturalization certificates, certificates of citizenship, and Permanent Resident Cards (formerly known as Alien Registration Cards and commonly called “Green Cards”) for some purposes, that prohibition does not apply to making a photocopy for submission to the USCIS in conjunction with an application or petition.
 
Black&White copy vs. Color copy

FYI - during my naturalization ceremony (200+ people) we all were officially informed by the INS officer that it's ok to make a black&white copy of Naturalization certificate BUT it is absolutely illegal to make a color copy. Go figure.
 
Black&White copy vs. Color copy

This is an interesting topic.

I guess you could scan a copy in color into your PC just in case the Passport office loses the original. Mind you who knows if you could make use of it.
 
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