A recent meeting between immigration lawyers and representatives of the USCIS Verification Division provided some important updates on the E-Verify system.
The Office of Special Counsel and E-Verify have signed an MOU to formalize information sharing between the two agencies. As a result, the OSC has increased its role in the enforcement of E-Verify policies, specifically regarding discrimination and employer use of the online employment verification system.
E-Verify is particularly monitoring employers with high numbers of uncontested tentative non-confirmations, which is often an indication of potential hire pre-screening, as well as employers who have higher than average data inconsistencies that may not be proportional to the size of their business and the number of E-Verify queries. It’s important to note that E-Verify is only to be used to verify the work authorization status of individuals after they have been employed by a company. Using the system in ways other than this intent can result in termination from the E-Verify system and fines.
We’ll have more E-Verify program updates in the coming weeks. Be sure to stay informed.