E-Verify Program Extended Until March

A continuing resolution signed into law September 30 funds the federal government through March 6, 2009 and includes a provision that extends the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. The E-Verify program offers employers an online tool to verify the legal status of workers and remains voluntary for new hires. AGC supported a 5-year extension of E-Verify, but is concerned about the accuracy and reliability of the program.  The extension prevents the program from expiring. The extension passed as a stand alone bill in the House only to fail to receive consideration in the Senate. Congress will need to address the short-tem extension early next year and it will likely become the launch pad for additional immigration reform debates. States may address the short-term extension by passing mandatory employment verification laws early next year. States that pass separate verification laws will negatively impact employers working in multiple states. AGC continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, which would include federal preemption of immigration laws. Immigration is a federal issue and federal legislation must preempt the patchwork of conflicting and onerous state and local ordinances that have been and may be enacted.