What is E-Verify?

E-Verify is an electronic system that enables employers to verify the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. This process involves checking the information provided by employees on their Form I-9 against records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. The main purpose of E-Verify is to prevent unauthorized employment and help ensure that individuals are legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Utilizing an electronic platform improves efficiency and accuracy in verifying employment eligibility, providing employers with a quicker means to confirm that new hires do not carry discrepancies regarding their work authorization. This is particularly critical in maintaining compliance with federal laws surrounding employment eligibility, thereby helping to mitigate legal risks associated with employing unauthorized workers.

The other options do not accurately describe E-Verify; physical document verification and manual background checks refer to different processes that do not involve an automated electronic system. Although E-Verify can play a role in immigration enforcement, its primary function is not as an enforcement program but rather as a verification tool for employers.