E-Verify is back. Yes, that controversial system for checking employees’ right
to work in the U.S. is again supposed to become mandatory for
federal contractors.
The Bush administration tried to push E-Verify through as a rule
for companies doing business with the government, but failed. The
Obama administration has now resurrected a regulation imposing
the system, effective Sept. 8.
It’s
not clear whether the rule can come into force with a federal
lawsuit pending against it. Several employer groups filed the
suit, claiming the databases E-Verify relies on are stuffed with
mistakes.
Meantime,
the Senate’s immigration subcommittee says E-Verify is ineffective,
and is pushing for biometric verification (e.g., fingerprints).
Win
Some, Lose Some
At
the same time, the Department of Homeland Security announced
it’s scrapping the equally controversial “no-match” rule.
The
2007 rule would have obliged employers to fire any employees
whose Social Security information didn’t match government
records. The rule was blocked by a federal court injunction after
it came out.
Dave
Clemens, Editor, HR Café Newsletter
For
more information, please contact Fern
Powers PHR, , 215-563-5520.
