What is E-Verify and does it apply in New York?
Author: Law Office of Alena Shautsova
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), e-verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. At a federal level, e-verify is a voluntary system for employers. However, some states have recently passed laws that require employers to use e-verify and others have laws that include provisions about e-verify.
In 2011, twelve more states passed laws or executive orders containing e-verify provisions. As of 2012, all states that address e-verify include:
- Arizona
- Alabama
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
The National Conference of State Legislatures reported that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on May 26, 2011 to uphold Arizona's 2007 law that mandated Arizona employers use e-verify. The Arizona penalty for e-verify violations is business license suspension or revocation.
Despite the fact that New York does not mandate employer use of e-verify, immigrants should work with a New York immigration lawyer to obtain legal status and work toward obtaining citizenship. U.S. citizenship is the only guarantee against deportation.
Seeking legal help can make a difference
If you face problems with employment because of immigration or NY deportation proceedings, talk to an experienced New York immigration attorney.