Speech #1140019937

It was successful. and in 2003. Congress made the program available in all 50 States. Now known as EVerify. this nationwide program is free for employers and accessible via the internet. This program has been a valuable tool for those who want to hire a legal workforce. Employers like it. In fact. according to Westat. a private statistical survey research corporation that conducted a survey last year. 97 percent of employers found EVerify userfriendly. and 92 percent said the program was effective. Employers also reported that "EVerify takes the guess work out of determining the validity of documents. provides immediate results. offers reassurance that the company is not hiring unauthorized workers. and helps them to show a good faith effort to comply with the law." So. today. along with several colleagues. I am introducing legislation to permanently authorize and expand the EVerify program. My bill. the Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act. will ensure that employers can rely on this program while holding them accountable for their hiring practices. My bill would make EVerify a staple in every workplace. It would pave the way to modify and simplify the I9 process required today. It would increase penalties on employers who hire people unauthorized to work in the country. Employers would be required to check the status of current employees within three years. and would allow employers to run a check prior to offering a job. saving that employer valuable time and resources. Employers will also be required to recheck those workers whose authorization is about to expire. such as those who come to the United States on temporary visas. As Congress considers the reauthorization of EVerify this year. I hope my bill will be a starting point for discussion. We need to enhance and expand the program so that our immigration laws are being upheld. I hope my colleagues will consider joining me in making EVerify a permanent part of our immigration laws. By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself and Mr.