What is E-Verify?
E-Verify is currently among the best means available for employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

Formally referred to as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program, E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

How do I register for E-Verify?
Employers may register online to use the E-Verify system by visiting the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification Web page at https://www.vis-dhs.com/EmployerRegistration. After registration, employers must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Upon completion and online submittal of the Memorandum of Understanding, the employer will receive email confirmation of the company's participation in the E-Verify program with their user ID and temporary password.

How does E-Verify work?
Once an employer has registered for E-Verify and after hiring a new employee and completing Form I-9, employers may submit an E-Verify query which includes sections of the I-9 form. The employer must initiate the query no later than the end of three business days after the new hire's actual start date.

As a participant in E-Verify, employers are required to verify all newly hired employees, both US citizens and non-citizens. Employers may not be selective in who is submitted for verification. Additionally, participation in E-Verify does not provide protection from worksite enforcement. However, an employer who verifies work authorization under E-Verify is presumed to have not knowingly hired an unauthorized alien.

For more information
The E-Verify program is currently free to employers. For more information, please visit the official USCIS E-Verify Web page at www.dhs.gov/e-verify or call USCIS at (888) 464-4218.

Arizona
Effective January 1, 2008, a new state law in Arizona prohibits employers from intentionally or knowingly employing an unauthorized alien. An "unauthorized alien" is defined as a non-US citizen who does not have the legal right or authorization under federal law to work in the United States.

As of 1/1/08, all Arizona employers, after hiring an employee, are required to verify the employment eligibility of the new employee through the E-Verify program.

Tennessee
Effective January 1, 2008, a new state law in Tennessee prohibits persons from knowingly employing, recruiting or referring for a fee for employment, an illegal alien.

The state's new law requires employers to request and receive a completed Form I-9 (including reviewing all related required documentation) from all new employees within fourteen days of hire. Employers also have the option of verifying employment eligibility through E-Verify also within fourteen days of hire.