Starting September 8, 2009, employers receiving federal contracts will be required to use the new E-Verify system to check their employees’ authorization to work in the United States.  This announcement comes after several delayed attempts by the Bush and Obama administrations to implement the E-Verify rule; however, their efforts were thwarted by a stay issued as part of a lawsuit blocking implementation of the E-Verify rule.  However, the stay has been lifted, the Obama administration has announced its support for the rule, and it appears that it really will go into effect this time.  Really.  We’re not kidding.

Employers take note:  the new E-Verify rule will only affect federal contractors and subcontractors who are awarded a new government contract after September 8, 2009 and that includes E-Verify clause.  Federal contractors may NOT use E-Verify to verify current employees until they receive a contract with the E-Verify clause.

For more information on E-Verify, click here to visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s E-Verify Website.