As we alerted you in March, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began purging their E-Verify records. The purge affected records prior to December 31, 2006 and will continue each year resulting in retention of up to 10 years’ worth of data. At the time, many employers weren’t concerned because they weren’t using E-Verify. Since this initial announcement regarding purging, we’ve fielded the following questions:

Should organizations that don’t use E-Verify pay attention to these purging activities?

Today, in Connecticut, only Federal government contractors along with their subcontractors are required to use E-Verify. Across the country, there are many states that require the use of E-Verify for all businesses, and that list appears to be growing. Based on my research, I believe that more states and, quite possibly the entire nation, will be required to use E-Verify in the near future. With E-Verify, there will be one database with all hires in all organizations making it simpler for the Department of Homeland Security to monitor.

How does the annual purge by USCIS affect employers currently using E-Verify?

As an employer, you will want to ensure that you have E-Verify records for your employees. Should you be audited by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), your I-9’s will be examined. Additionally, you may need to provide historical data and your E-Verify records could be very helpful in order to avoid possible fines resulting from the audit. For example: You have an employee who was approved by E-Verify in 2005: there is a question about this employee in 2017. Ensuring that you have the appropriate E-Verify records will be critical.

How do organizations download their “Historic Records Report” from E-Verify?

Using this link, employers are able to download their E-Verify “Historic Records Report”. Should E-verify become the only system to use in the near future, all employers will need to become familiar with E-Verify and their “purging” strategies.

If you need help with E-Verify or other areas of employee hiring, give KardasLarson a call, we will be very happy to help!