The recent discovery of an undocumented migrant serving as a reserve police officer has led to greater scrutiny on the employment eligibility verification (E-Verify) system from immigration authorities. The officer in question passed the E-Verify and I-9 checks. Recruiters therefore believed he was verified to work. The incident highlights the overarching problems with the digital employment eligibility verification process. There are definitive plans to overhaul or replace the current verification system, despite the recent attention.
E-Verify helps employers minimize the risks of hiring unauthorized workers in the United States. It was introduced in 2004 as part of a broader program that never fully materialized. It’s been a requirement for federal government contractors since 2008. It’s also a requirement for all employers in the following states:
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Utah
- Arizona
Considering the incident, the government is now placing greater scrutiny on the E-Verify system. More than ninety-eight percent of E-Verify reviewees in the last year received confirmed eligibility to work within twenty-four hours after submitting information. In the past ten years, eligible workers lost out on one-hundred-and-thirty-thousand jobs because they were incorrectly flagged by E-Verify. Despite the increased attention on the system’s flaws, no conclusive plans to reduce or replace the program have been unveiled yet.
As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.