HR2641-119

What This Bill Does

This bill extends E-Verify participation to the federal contracting chain. It amends section 402(e)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act so each contractor of an executive-branch or legislative-branch federal agency, and each subcontractor at any tier, must elect to participate in the E-Verify program and comply with the program's terms and conditions.

Who Benefits and How

E-Verify system operators benefit because federal contractors and subcontractors become mandatory users. Employment eligibility compliance consultants benefit from new demand for enrollment, training, and verification-process support. Workers authorized to work in the United States may benefit if covered federal contractors screen unauthorized employment more consistently. Federal agencies buying goods or services benefit from clearer eligibility-screening obligations in their contractor base.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Federal government contractors must enroll in E-Verify, verify covered workers, and comply with program conditions. Subcontractors of federal contractors at all tiers face the same requirement. Small businesses in federal supply chains bear compliance costs if they previously did not use E-Verify. Unauthorized workers seeking jobs on federal contracts face a higher barrier to employment through covered contractors.

Key Provisions

• Requires executive-branch and legislative-branch federal contractors to participate in E-Verify.
• Requires subcontractors of federal contractors at every tier to participate in E-Verify.
• Requires covered contractors and subcontractors to comply with the terms and conditions of the E-Verify election.