I-9, E-Verify and Employer Immigration Compliance Blog

Friday, January 21, 2011

FIRST IMAGE EMPLOYER SIGNED UP IN MINNESOTA

Ryt-way Industries LLC signed an IMAGE agreement on January 13th, according to ICE.

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 10:32 AM

Thursday, January 20, 2011

GAO REPORT DISCUSSES STATE OF E-VERIFY

The Government Accountability Office has released a new report studying the accuracy of the E-Verify database. According to the report, the number of tentative non-confirmations has decreased by 5% over the last two years, an indicator that the system has more complete records than in the past. The report also praised USCIS for instituting new measures to protect the privacy of employees and improve oversight of employers proper use of the system.

But the report has also raised concerns as well. The report concluded that false tentative non-confirmations are more likely to relate to foreign-born employees which could lead to more claims of discrimination. Also, the program is still vulnerable to identity theft, fraud and other abuse. Also, adequate funding for the program remains a problem and USCIS and the Social Security Administration need to address the issue.

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 5:37 AM

USCIS TOUTS NEW REPORT ON E-VERIFY

USCIS has issued a statement noting a new report stating increased customer satisfaction with E-Verify:

A recent customer satisfaction survey validates what U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has long asserted – that the Obama administration’s commitment to building the E-verify system is the right investment in building a viable tool to ensure a legal workforce in the United States. Additionally, a report about E-Verify – just issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – cites improvements in the reduction of mismatch rates, ensuring employer compliance, and establishing better safeguards for employees’ personal information.
The customer survey evaluated key aspects of the E-Verify program such as registration, tutorial, ease of use, technical assistance, and customer service. E-Verify received an exceptionally high overall customer satisfaction score – 82 out of 100 the American Customer Satisfaction Index scale – compared to the government’s overall satisfaction score. One of the aspects of E-Verify that respondents liked the most was its customer support, which received a score of 89 – based significantly on enhancements to the system made under the Obama administration. Other key findings of the survey revealed that the overwhelming majority of users were likely to recommend E-Verify to other employers, were confident in E-Verify’s accuracy, and were likely to continue using the program.
“The E-Verify Program works exceptionally well, according to employers, and is a very promising tool for ensuring a legal workforce in the U.S.,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “The high overall customer satisfaction score, along with the positive findings of the GAO report, are encouraging. While we are pleased with the program’s successes, we remain committed to continually improving E-Verify and enhancing this tool’s effectiveness for both workers and employers.”

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 5:33 AM

Saturday, January 15, 2011

E-VERIFY USE DOUBLES IN SINGLE YEAR

2010 was a major growth year for E-Verify, according to new data released by DHS. More than half a million inquiries were processed in fiscal year 2010 compared to fewer than a quarter million for the previous fiscal year. The introduction of the federal contractor E-Verify mandate is seen as the biggest factor contributing to the rise.

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 10:04 AM

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

NEW M-274 EMPLOYER I-9 HANDBOOK RELEASED

USCIS has released a new M-274 employer handbook for I-9 compliance. According to the agency, changes include the following:

• New visual aids for completing Form I-9;
• Examples of new relevant USCIS documents;
• Expanded guidance on lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylees, individuals in Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and exchange visitors and foreign students;
• Expanded guidance on the processing of employees in or porting to H1-B status and H2-A status; and,
• Expanded guidance on extensions of stay for employees with temporary employment authorization.

The Handbook for Employers now also includes information for employers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) who must verify their employees’ employment authorization on Form I-9 CNMI. It also highlights information about documents CNMI employers may accept from their employees.

M-274 employer handbook

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 6:44 PM

Saturday, January 8, 2011

RHODE ISLAND ABANDONING E-VERIFY MANDATE

Newly-elected independent Governor Lincoln Chafee rescinds his predecessor's executive order.

Rhode Island Order revoking E-Verify Mandate

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 6:51 AM

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

FLORIDA TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES TO USE E-VERIFY

Via Executive Order from newly sworn in Governor Rick Scott.

# posted by Greg Siskind @ 7:58 PM