E-Verify in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.

As a means to verify one’s eligibility to work in the United States, more and more employers are utilizing the internet-based E-Verify program, created by a joint venture between the Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. At present, registration for E-Verify is voluntary for employers in states where it is not mandated statewide. However, federal rulemaking is becoming increasingly favorable towards the program and laws are in the pipeline to make E-Verify mandatory for federal contractors and other types of employers nationwide. Currently, Virginia does not require employers to use E-Verify. 

Employers. You may be considering implementation of E-Verify for your employees. If so, it is important to discuss the pros and cons of such a system with a knowledgeable immigration attorney, including the drafting of contractual agreements to shield your business in the event of a noncompliance lawsuit. If you operate a business that has offices throughout the United States, you may be affected by individual state laws that require verification of employment through E-Verify. This is particularly true in the construction industry.

Employees, Potential Employees. It is important to keep in mind that E-Verify cannot be used as a means to “weed out” potential job candidates. In addition, E-Verify cannot be used for employees who began working for a company prior to the company’s implementation of the program. If you received notice that you are not eligible to work based on the results of an E-Verify query, contact an experienced immigration lawyer to further discuss your rights and obligations.   

Upcoming Free Consultation, Walk-In Dates

Our immigration lawyer Jennifer Varughese will be holding the following Immigration Law Open Houses, at which she will provide free consultations in immigration law:

• at our Fairfax Office on Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; and
• at our Woodbridge Office on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; and
• at our Fredericksburg Office on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Call (703) 539-8076 now for a reserved appointment. We will consult with walk-ins on a first come, first served basis at these Open Houses, but we strongly encourage that you call ahead to reserve a spot.