Yes, E Verify does conduct background checks. E Verify is an electronic employment verification system that allows employers in the United States to verify the employment eligibility of new hires. It helps employers maintain a legal workforce by comparing information provided on an employee’s Form I-9 to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). By doing so, it helps identify individuals with false documents, unauthorized workers, and other potential employment issues.
1. How Does E Verify Work?
E Verify works by comparing the information on an employee’s Form I-9 against government databases to verify their employment eligibility. Here’s how the process typically works:
- An employer collects and verifies the necessary Form I-9 documents from a new hire.
- The employer enters the employee’s information into the E Verify system, which compares it to DHS and SSA records.
- If the information provided matches the records, the E Verify system generates a confirmation of employment eligibility.
- If there is a mismatch or error, the employee is given an opportunity to correct it through the SSA or DHS.
It’s important to note that E Verify is not a standalone background check. It focuses specifically on employment eligibility and does not delve into criminal records or other personal background information.
2. What Information Does E Verify Check?
E Verify primarily checks information provided on Form I-9, which includes:
- Employee’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Employee’s citizenship, immigration status, or authorization to work
- Validity of the documents submitted by the employee
However, it’s important to remember that E Verify does not have direct access to an employee’s personal background information or criminal records. It solely relies on the information provided on the Form I-9 and compares it with government databases.
3. Limitations of E Verify
While E Verify is a useful tool for verifying employment eligibility, it does have certain limitations:
- E Verify does not confirm an individual’s identity. It only checks the validity of the documents presented.
- It does not conduct a comprehensive background check and does not provide information on an individual’s criminal records or other personal history.
- It may have cases of false negatives or false positives, wherein an individual’s eligibility is incorrectly verified or identified.
- E Verify should not be used to selectively verify the employment eligibility of certain employees based on their appearance or nationality. It should be applied uniformly to all new hires.
4. E Verify for Employers
For employers, using E Verify offers several advantages:
- Helps maintain compliance with federal immigration laws
- Reduces the risk of penalties for employing unauthorized workers
- Streamlines the verification process and reduces paperwork
- Provides a safe harbor against certain liabilities related to employment eligibility verification
Implementing E Verify can help employers avoid legal issues and ensure a legal and authorized workforce.
5. E Verify for Employees
For employees, the use of E Verify means:
- Confirmation of their employment eligibility
- Protection against identity theft and the use of false documents
- Assurance that their employer is following federal immigration laws
By participating in E Verify, employees can have confidence that their employment eligibility has been verified and that they are working in a lawful environment.
In conclusion, E Verify plays a crucial role in employment eligibility verification. While it does conduct background checks in the sense of comparing information with government databases, it is important to note that it primarily focuses on employment eligibility and does not delve into personal background information, criminal records, or other details beyond what is provided on Form I-9.