How to comply with E-Verify | Dump Trucks Charlotte NC

Complying with construction industry regulations is vital to preserving your company’s reputation. The price for one mistake extends beyond fines, as reputational damage can cause you to lose potential bids, and compounded infractions can even cost you your license.

But, just like the construction industry, laws evolve constantly, challenging columbus oh dump truck company to stay current and compliant. Florida’s new E-Verify law underscores the importance of tracking regulatory changes and adapting business practices to minimize risk. 

Although it’s been in use since 1996, in May, the state’s legislature expanded the mandatory use of the web-based system to public and private employers with at least 25 employees. This change could result in major repercussions for the specialty trade industry, which currentlyranks fourth among industries that most use E-Verify.

Crash course

Administered by the Social Security Administration and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the E-Verify system was designed to enhance the I-9 documentation system. The free online system cross-references I-9 information with SSA records and data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure a worker’s eligibility.

Though not used in most states, it is considered a more precise way to ensure a documented workforce.

Some states like Indiana, Pennsylvania and Texas only require public employers or government columbus oh dump truck company to use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. However, nine states, including Florida, require all or most employers to use the system. 

Additional states could adopt or expand E-Verify rules in the near future, prompting many construction companies nationwide to prepare for its potential enactment in their area.

Should your state adopt use of the E-verify program, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you successfully implement and execute it.

Restructure your hiring process

If you are new to the E-Verify system, now is the time to update your employee handbook. Article II of theE-Verify Memorandum of Understanding for Employers states that employers participating in the program must prominently display a Notice of Right to Work and information regarding their E-Verify participation to all prospective employees.

When using the online program, an employer can manually input the information into the E-Verify system and record resolved case numbers on their employee’s Form I-9. Even clerical mistakes can result infines ranging from $272 to $2,701 per violation.

Leave a paper trail

Proper recordkeeping is integral to compliance. Under Florida’s expanded E-verify law, employers must keep digital or print copies of an applicant's documentation. An automated system would securely store the information in an employee portal. If you opt for a manual process, however, consider how you're keeping those sensitive records confidential. Building a framework that allows for secure recordkeeping will also be vital in the event of an audit.

USCIS performs desk reviews to determine whether E-Verify participants comply with the law. Companies enrolled in the program are required to cooperate with these desk reviews, as well as permitting government agencies to review I-9 forms and employment records or interview employees.

If an employer can prove they are complying with E-Verify in good faith, they will not be held accountable if one of their employees falsified their columbus oh dump truck company eligibility documents.

What to do in the event of a mismatch

If the information in the SSA and DHS database matches a worker’s I-9, the employee is authorized to work. 

If E-Verify cannot confirm the information your employee provided, the case may receive a Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch) result. Although mismatches can happen for a variety of reasons, the E-Verify user manual clearly states, “Employers may not terminate, suspend, delay training, withhold or lower pay or take any other adverse action against an employee because the employee received a mismatch, until the mismatch becomes a Final Nonconfirmation.”