UPDATE: Companies with Government Contracts Told to Use E-Verify to Validate Their Worker’s Status
WASHINGTON-In June 2008, I reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) had joined forces to require private companies doing business with the federal government to ensure their employees are working here legally. At that time, the federal government was also considering making this a requirement for all employers across the nation. In August the DHS backed down on requiring all private companies use E Verify and said it was studying other options.
This requirement is aimed at cracking down on hiring of illegal immigrants. However, people who overstayed visas or came to the country legally but do not have permission to work, such as some students or those awaiting work permits, also could be snagged.
The latest on E Verify:
This week the Bush Administration announced that, “Federal contracts awarded and solicitations issued after Jan. 15, 2009 will include a clause committing government contractors to use E-Verify. The same clause will also be required in subcontracts over $3,000 for services or construction…Companies awarded a contract with the federal government will be required to enroll in E-Verify within 30 days of the contract award date…”
What is E-Verify?
The Eligibility Verification Program is an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. Participating employers can check the work status of new hires online by comparing information from an employee’s I-9 form against SSA and DHS databases.
Today using E Verify is voluntary for most employers
The DHS originally planned to require all employers to use E Verify, but backed down in August 2008, as a result of overwhelming opposition. At this time, using E Verify is voluntary for most employers, but on their website DHS is encouraging every employer to use this system. It’s possible the Obama Administration, or the new federal legislature, will take another look at this process next year.
I’ll keep an eye on this and report any changes in the future.
Leave a Reply