Labor & Employment Law Blog

Employers seeking to reduce the likelihood of unknowingly hiring undocumented workers can also enroll in the DHS' E-Verify program, "an Internet-based system that allows an employer, using information reported on an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to determine the eligibility of that employee to work in the United States." The DHS notes that the E-Verify is for most employers "voluntary and limited to determining the employment eligibility of new hires only. There is no charge to employers to use E-Verify."

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") will launch a redesigned E-Verify website, June 13, 2010, which the USCIS states will enhance E-Verify's "usability, security, accuracy and efficiency." E-Verify is an internet-based system that compares information contained on an applicant's or employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification form to data kept by the DHS and Social Security Administration records to confirm eligibility for employment.

The newly redesigned E-Verify website will feature "a clean and modern design, easy and intuitive navigation, and clear and simple language." The USCIS states also that the redesigned site will include a new home page, a new case alerts feature, improved case management, a streamlined tutorial, and other improvements.  

According to the USCIS, current users of E-Verify can use their existing user IDs and passwords, and existing user data will remain available. However, existing users will be required to complete an approximately 20-minute  tutorial to learn about the changes to the site.  

To prepare for the new site, the USCIS recommends E-Verify participants:

• Watch two "How to" videos, which demonstrate how to create a case, and how to respond to a tentative nonconfirmation.

• Download the new user manuals and quick reference guides to become familiar with how to use E-Verify. USCIS states updated publications will be available in early June, but, at the time of this post, updated publications were not yet available.

• Attend the USCIS's preview webinars.