The Justice Dept. on Dec. 4 filed an appeal of an October court ruling that blocked a “no-match” immigration regulation. The Dept. of Homeland Security rule would require employers to terminate workers who cannot resolve discrepancies between their names and Social Security numbers within 90 days after getting a Social Security Administration “no-match” letter. Companies that don’t comply may face criminal prosecution.

The American Civil Liberties Union challenged the rule, which was to take effect in September. DHS asked the court on Nov. 23 to put the rule on hold until DHS can revise it. By pursuing an appeal and revisions, Secretary Michael Chertoff said DHS “can get a resolution as quickly as possible” and give employers needed guidance.