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MEMORIALIZING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO MAKE PERMANENT THE E-VERIFY PROGRAM.
Whereas, E-Verify is currently a voluntary Internet-based pilot program used to assist employers in verifying the work authorization of new hires. This program allows employers to enter information on a potential new hire that is then compared with over 425 million records in the Social Security Administration's database and over 60 million records in the Department of Homeland Security's database. Most inquiries are resolved in seventy-two hours with a ninety-two percent instant response rate; and
Whereas, as of January 2009, over 100,000 employers have registered with E-Verify; and
Whereas, many states, including South Carolina, have relied to their detriment on the continued availability of E-Verify in establishing state level programs to combat illegal immigration. As part of the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act of 2008, E-Verify is provided as one of the two methods employers must choose to use to verify the work eligibility of new employees. This provision was enacted with the belief that E-Verify or a successor program would be perpetually available for employers to comply with state law; and
Whereas, because the control of immigration is the primary responsibility of the federal government and the E-Verify system depends on access to records that may only be maintained by federal agencies, the states are dependent upon the federal government to maintain this vital component in the struggle to stem the flood of illegal immigration; and
Whereas, the E-Verify program was set to expire in November 2008, but was extended by Concurrent Resolution until March 6, 2009, and this piecemeal approach has eroded confidence in the continued existence of the program; and
Whereas, to ensure the continued reliance on the availability of the E-Verify program by state governments and employers alike to continue and develop effective strategies to combat illegal immigration, it is vitally necessary for Congress to make this program permanent. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly request that the United States Congress take immediate action to make the E-Verify Program permanent and provide the funding and resources necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
This web page was last updated on February 17, 2009 at 12:51 PM