Blog Post: E-Verify Update - Now Required for all Federal Contractors

In a move that has drawn criticism from the Society for Human Resource Management, President Bush has signed an amendment to Executive Order 12989, which now requires all federal contractors to use the E-Verify system in order to maintain their current and future contracts. 

The E-Verify system is a database program that is maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.  Use of the system is voluntary in most instances and has received a great deal of criticism by a number of sources for being unreliable and inaccurate.  However, many employers have used E-Verify with no issues and have enjoyed the added feeling of security they gain from verifying that their new employees are eligible to work in the United States.  Regardless of personal feelings, many employers must begin use of the system if they want to maintain their government contracts.

In a number of states, including Arizona, E-Verify has been required for a number of months.  Despite a state law requiring its use, it has been reported that as many as 70% of Arizona employers have failed to begin use of the system.  At this point, it is getting increasingly difficult for employers to avoid use of the E-Verify system. 

A group of HR organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management, have formed the HR Initiative for a Legal Workforce, a coalition that is openly opposed to the E-Verify system and are asking the government to look at different options than the E-Verify system.  For more information on the HR Initiative for a Legal Workforce, please visit the SHRM website at www.shrm.org. 

While the two sides debate the issue, you may still be obligated to use the E-Verify system.  Many local attorneys and SHRM chapters are running continuous instructional seminars designed to help employers navigate the use of the database.  Visit the Events page of Jobing.com for dates of upcoming meetings!