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U.S. Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., have joined several Republican colleagues in introducing the Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act. The bill aims to bolster workforce accountability and address unauthorized employment.
Both Britt and Tuberville co-sponsored the bill, introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, when it was introduced during the 118th Congress.
“Congress’ top priority should be strengthening American businesses and protecting good-paying jobs. Expanding the E-Verify program to every business across the country will protect jobs for American workers and give employers the tools they need to legally staff their companies. We must get serious about enforcing all of our country’s immigration laws, including those pertaining to participation in the workforce,” said Tuberville.
E-Verify is an online program that compares an employee’s information from their I-9 forms to records on file from the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration.
The legislation would permanently authorize, expand and mandate using the E-Verify program. This free system allows employers to verify the legal status of their employees. The bill also includes provisions to extend E-Verify access to businesses in rural areas with limited internet capabilities.
“Not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment… the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall establish a demonstration program that assists small businesses in rural areas or areas without internet capabilities to verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees solely through the use of publicly accessible internet terminals,” the bill reads.
Under the proposed legislation, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would be required to submit a weekly report to the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This report would include detailed information on individuals who receive a final non-confirmation through the E-Verify system. It would list the individual’s personal information to “enforce compliance with the United States immigration laws.’’
“I’m proud to support legislation that protects American workers and deters illegal migration,” said Britt. “The E-Verify program is critical to ensuring that illegal aliens cannot work unlawfully in the United States. The American people delivered a clear verdict on this issue last November, and I will continue working to ensure that verdict is carried out.”
A similar bill is pending in the Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee after passing in the House earlier this month. HB302, introduced by Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, seeks to regulate labor brokers who recruit foreign workers in Alabama.
The bill would require these brokers to register with the Department of Workforce, use the E-Verify system, and comply with sponsorship reporting rules. It grants enforcement powers to the Secretary of Workforce and the Attorney General, allowing for fines, penalties and potential business license revocation for violations.
