Which federal statute mandates employers to verify the citizenship or legal immigration status of new employees?

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) is the federal statute that mandates employers to verify the citizenship or legal immigration status of new employees. This law was enacted in 1986 and serves two main purposes: it imposes sanctions on employers who hire undocumented workers, and it requires employers to attest to their employees' immigration status. Under this law, employers must complete and retain Form I-9 for every employee, which is a document used to verify the identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.

The significance of this statute lies in its aim to ensure that employment is only granted to individuals who are legally allowed to work in the country, thereby helping to prevent illegal employment practices. It represents a critical effort in the broader context of immigration reform and labor law enforcement.

The other options do not pertain to the verification process of employee immigration status. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 focuses on preventing employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The National Immigration Service Act is not a recognized statute affecting employment verification. The Equal Pay Act addresses wage discrimination on the basis of sex. Each of these laws serves different purposes and does not cover the verification of citizenship or immigration status for employment.