Which act requires employers to verify employment eligibility for new hires?

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 mandates that employers verify the employment eligibility of new hires to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the United States. This act established that employers must complete Form I-9 for each employee, which involves examining documents that confirm the individual's identity and employment eligibility.

The significance of this law lies in its approach to immigration control; it aimed to combat illegal immigration by placing specific responsibilities on employers. By requiring the verification process, the act encourages compliance with immigration laws and helps prevent the employment of unauthorized workers, thereby supporting lawful hiring practices.

In contrast, the other acts listed are focused on different aspects of employment rights and protections. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, for example, pertains to mass layoffs and plant closings, while the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses discrimination based on disability. The Equal Pay Act is concerned with wage equality between genders. Thus, none of these acts involve the verification of employment eligibility, making the Immigration Reform and Control Act the correct choice.