E-Verify. . . what is it?

[Geri7]

Last night I was watching a prophecy conference that I recorded last week. The speaker made a comment that Mitt Romney is all for E-Verify and will implement if he gets into office. I really perked up when the speaker said this is not just for new hires but will be mandatory for all those who have jobs as well. If the workers don't pass, they will lose their jobs. I find this strange since before you get hired, a person usually goes through a drug test. The employer also requires a copy of your birth certificate and/or s.s. card and drivers license. This morning I looked up E-Verify on the government website and I don't see anything out of the ordinary that sounds fishy - it looks like they just want to crack down on illegal immigration.

Do any of you watchers know anything about E-Verify? Is there a hidden agenda?

[Acts5:41]

No, it's just trying to keep "illegals" out of the workforce.

They had the option to use that back when my husband and I employed other people, although you will generally hear some code words when hiring.

For instance, we never wrote checks, after taking deductions, we paid the employee in cash every week. One of the girls went and told a friend we "paid cash" and brought her in for an interview. "Paid cash" is apparently code for "under the table, no deductions".

For those who pay payroll taxes, it can seem to be a benefit to "pay cash", but it isn't. What if the employee needs disability? Because no one ever paid into a proper social security account, they have nothing.

We only hired citizens, or legal residents.

You will always encounter some conspiracy theorists who see sinister government plots behind every door. You should have seen what I had to do to get my passport! :eek

I work in a federal building, as a contract vendor. They did an extensive background check on me, and required my SS # and more to do it. I was not happy, but I could see their point. They wanted to make sure I really was Heather and not a criminal, either.

Only the crime of love! In eloping with my husband!

[IbelieveinJesus]

E-verify checks the validity of your SS#, it is meant to ensure that someone applying for a job is actually a US citizen. I support it, but would like it to be improved.

-Ted

[Geri7]

Acts 5:41 & Ted,

for your insight. I don't see anything wrong with it either. What got me thinking was why e-verify those already hired. Unless its for random drug testing . . .?

[deerekid]

E-verify is simply an online/updated version of the current I-9 form which was required starting in 1986. The I-9 form requires certain forms of identification to be presented before a person is legally hired. Companies are required to keep the forms on file and there are big fines if the feds choose to audit and papers aren't in order.

I'm assuming when everybody is required to use E-verify, it will be tied to state databases to cross check for child support or any other court ordered payments. Just another way to track the masses.

[Acts5:41]

Brings up another point. I worked for a small business owner in 1997. He was a painter.

We got a letter for child support with-holding, for one of the painters. I was all set to call the payroll guys. The owner yelled "Don't do that! I'll handle it".

I found out later "handling" it meant "losing" the letter, warning the guy "they had found him", and getting him hired on at another company. While the kids were hungry.

NICE guy. I quit.

[carol1948]

This is slightly off topic, but I haven't heard anyone commenting about the addition of 1.7 million more people (illegals who have received permits to work) to the workforce with unemployment at upwards of 8 percent all over the country. IMO every illegal who is working is taking a job from a citizen or legal resident. However, I see lots of help wanted signs in our area, at WalMart, restaurants, etc., and I know it's because unemployment benefits continue to be extended. The average American worker is smart enough to choose the unemployment benefits over work when the benefits are higher than what he/she would make working. Sad, but true and logical.

[IbelieveinJesus]

What got me thinking was why e-verify those already hired. Unless its for random drug testing . . .?

Good question, the only time I've seen it is when a question is raised about someone's identity or status, and then we'll rerun a e-verify to make sure there isn't an issue that got by us originally... but it is not like and MVR check that you need to pull on a periodic basis.

-Ted

[SoThankful]

E-Verify is just a system employers are supposed to use to avoid hiring illegals. FYI, Obama's SSN failed the E-Verify test; awesome huh?

[Reason&Hope]

A lot of illegal aliens will use SSNs that they buy from someone, or just make one up. They'll also submit fake SSN cards and other ID. So, extending E-Verify to people already working will help find them.

Carol, it's not just unemployment. The number of people on disability is going through the roof - more people went on disability a couple of months ago than got hired for jobs! I don't think we're getting that many people who are disabled all of a sudden. The Feds are encouraging people who are unemployed to go on disability instead. Why? Because that way the unemployment numbers look better!

[clemson]

A great program meant that employers don't take the easy way out and hire illegals but instead hire citizens and legal immigrants (everyone still goes through it)