Glossary > Employment Law > Immigration And Work Authorization > E-Verify Compliance

E-Verify Program

The E-Verify Program is an online system that allows employers to verify the work eligibility of newly hired employees. It compares information from an employee's Form I-9 to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration databases to confirm their authorization to work in the United States.

Example #1

Imagine a restaurant owner using E-Verify to check if a new chef they hired has the legal right to work in the country.

Example #2

An HR manager at a tech company using E-Verify to ensure that a foreign software engineer hired on an H-1B visa has the necessary work authorization.

Misuse

Misuse of the E-Verify Program can occur when employers use the system to discriminate against potential employees based on their citizenship status or national origin. This is illegal and goes against the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace. It's crucial to prevent misuse to protect the rights of all workers and ensure a level playing field for job seekers.

Benefits

One of the key benefits of the E-Verify Program is that it helps employers maintain compliance with immigration laws and avoid unintended hiring of unauthorized workers. By verifying work eligibility, businesses can reduce the risk of penalties for employing individuals without proper authorization, promoting a fair and accountable hiring process.

Conclusion

The E-Verify Program plays a vital role in promoting transparency and fairness in the workforce by ensuring that employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S. This tool helps protect the rights of workers and prevent discrimination based on immigration status or national origin. Employers should use E-Verify responsibly to uphold ethical employment practices and support a just marketplace.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024