E-Verify Extended Through April 2017
Author: Marta Moakley, XpertHR Legal Editor
December 27, 2016
President Barack Obama has temporarily extended the federal E-Verify program by signing the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, which extends appropriations through April 28, 2017. E-Verify, or the Electronic Verification system, is a web-based program operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify allows participating employers to electronically verify the information provided by the employee on the Form I-9.
The continuing resolution (Public Law No. 114-254) prevents a partial government shutdown that would otherwise occur in the absence of budget bills. To date, 11 of the 12 appropriations bills have not been enacted. House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers acknowledged the issue, stating, "While I firmly believe a continuing resolution is no way to run a railroad, at this point, this is our best - and only - path forward."
In addition to E-Verify, the law extends several programs that were set to expire, including the reauthorization of the:
- EB-5 Regional Center Immigrant Investor Program, which attracts foreign investment and encourages entrepreneurship; and
- Conrad State 30 Program, which allows J-1 medical doctors to apply for a waiver for the two-year residence requirement upon completion of the J-1 exchange visitor program.
Other programs extended include health benefits for certain retired miners and their families under the United Mine Workers Association 1993 Benefit Plan.