On May 23, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Budget-in-Brief providing an overview of its proposed budget plans. An area for employers to note is clear direction that a nationwide mandate for E-Verify is on the horizon. This would directly impact employers and their management of I-9 compliance.
The Budget-in-Brief states, “to reduce demand for illegal employment, DHS is expanding worksite enforcement strategies by mandating nationwide use of the E-Verify system.” The budget includes a proposed “$131.5 million for E-Verify operations and upgrades for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including new investments to expand the E-Verify program. The purpose of expanding E-Verify is to support mandatory use of E-Verify nationwide within three years.” (emphasis added).
With additional clarity around E-Verify expansion, the Budget-in-Brief includes further language that makes it clear that the current administration is looking to E-Verify as a key component of their immigration strategy. For employers who are forward planning, the three-year window offers a transition pathway to help identify and implement a digital solution that is aligned with E-Verify to help maintain compliance as the regulations change and the E-Verify mandate becomes a reality.
The Equifax I-9 Management E-Verify solution simply and seamlessly integrates with E-Verify to help keep employers in compliance. Employers enjoy additional efficiencies, as Equifax completes the E-Verify knowledge test on behalf of clients to enable employees to quickly and easily access the E-Verify platform. The solution is also optimized to quickly adapt to a changing regulatory environment, including new form releases (I-9 Compliance Alert: New Form I-9 Coming). Advanced features include “batch closure” functionality and auto queue features in the workflow that further streamline the process and reduces administrative burden on onboarding teams.
To learn how Equifax Workforce Solutions can get you on the road to I-9 E-Verify compliance, contact Pete Krieshok at pete.krieshok@equifax.com.
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