About E-Verify
E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “E-Verify is currently the best means available for employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. E-Verify virtually eliminates Social Security mismatch letters, improves the accuracy of wage and tax reporting, protects jobs for authorized U.S. workers, and helps U.S. employers maintain a legal workforce.”
E-Verify is free, although an employer can hire a third party agent (known as a Designated Agent), to submit verifications and manage responses for the employer. Designated Agents usually provide “value added” services… in addition to verifications, many provide backup and archiving of I-9 data; consulting on employment and verification issues; and other benefits.
E-Verify is voluntary. However, a growing number of states, counties and cities across the county now require employers to enroll in E-Verify as a condition of receiving or renewing a business license, or being awarded a public contract. On September 8, 2009, the federal government began requiring federal contractors to verify their new hires and certain existing employees as a condition of receiving a federal contract.
For more info about E-Verify and how enrollment can benefit your organization, check out this FAQ.
