Author: Melanie J. Perez-Vellios, VP Group LLC

E-Verify is a web-based program that allows employers to electronically verify that newly hired employees are authorized to work in the US. E-Verify provides employers with access to information found on the Social Security Administration's database and the Department of Homeland Security's database.

It is free for employers to participate in E-Verify. Further, participation in E-Verify is voluntary for most employers except where required by state law or the federal contractor rule. Therefore, employers should check their state requirements and laws regarding federal contractors. If an employer participates in E-Verify it creates a presumption that the employer did not knowingly hire an employee that is unauthorized to work in the US.