E-Verify

The E-Verify system is an internet-based platform that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. It compares information from an employee's Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 to data from U.S. government records. Initially launched as a pilot program in 1997, E-Verify has evolved and expanded, becoming a key component in enforcing U.S. employment laws regarding work authorization.

The system is voluntary for most employers but is mandatory for some, such as those with federal contracts or employers in states that require its use. The debate surrounding E-Verify involves its effectiveness, impact on the labor market, and implications for privacy and civil liberties. While it aims to deter unauthorized employment, critics argue about potential errors and discrimination against legal workers, especially those from immigrant communities.