E-Verify is a web-based system used in the United States to verify the employment eligibility of new hires. It is operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Employers who use E-Verify can quickly confirm that an employee is authorized to work in the United States by comparing the information provided on the employee’s I-9 form (Employment Eligibility Verification form) to records in the government’s databases. E-Verify is designed to detect and prevent unauthorized workers from being hired, and to help employers maintain a legal workforce.
Although E-Verify is free to use and is available to all employers in the United States. Many states have made its use mandatory for certain types of employers, such as those who contract with state agencies or receive state funds. However, it is still optional for most employers.
How does E-Verify work?
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. Here is a step-by-step overview of how E-Verify works:
- The employer completes an I-9 form for the new hire, which requires the employee to provide documentation to prove their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
- The employer then enters the employee’s information into the E-Verify system. This includes the employee’s name, date of birth, social security number, and citizenship or immigration status.
- E-Verify compares the information provided by the employee to records in government databases maintained by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
- If the information matches, E-Verify confirms that the employee is authorized to work in the United States. The employer is then provided with a verification number, which they can use to complete the I-9 form.
- If the information does not match, E-Verify will alert the employer and provide instructions for resolving the discrepancy.
- In some cases, E-Verify may prompt the employer to take additional steps to confirm the employee’s eligibility to work, such as submitting additional documentation or contacting the relevant government agency.
E-Verify is designed to be a quick and easy way for employers to confirm that new hires are authorized to work in the United States, while also helping to prevent the employment of unauthorized workers.
How Long Has E-Verify Been Around?
E-Verify has been around since 1997, when it was originally launched as the Basic Pilot Program. The program was created as a partnership between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, with the goal of helping employers verify the employment eligibility of new hires and preventing the employment of unauthorized workers.
Initially, the Basic Pilot Program was only available to employers in a limited number of states and industries. However, the program was expanded over time and became available to all employers across the United States in 2007.
In 2008, the program was officially renamed E-Verify and has since undergone several updates and improvements to enhance its accuracy and effectiveness. Today, E-Verify is widely used by employers across the country to help them comply with federal immigration laws and ensure that their workforce is authorized to work in the United States.
Which U.S States Use E-Verify?
All U.S. states allow employers to use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. However, some states have made it mandatory for certain types of employers, while others have made it mandatory for all employers.
The following 15 states have made E-Verify mandatory for all employers:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
Additionally, there are some states that have made E-Verify mandatory for certain types of employers, such as those who contract with state agencies or receive state funds. The requirements vary by state, so it is important for employers to check the laws in their specific state.
