Legal Workforce Act
Legal Workforce Act
Plain Language Summary
# Legal Workforce Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Legal Workforce Act would create a new electronic system for employers to verify that workers are legally authorized to work in the United States. This system would replace and expand the current E-Verify program. Currently, only some employers—primarily those with federal contracts—are required to use E-Verify. This bill would make the system mandatory for all employers nationwide.
When someone is hired, both the employee and employer would need to confirm employment eligibility through the new system within three business days of a job offer. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would directly impact employers of all sizes, job applicants, and workers. Key provisions include requiring employers to examine and verify specific identity documents during the hiring process, requiring re-verification of certain employees hired before the system becomes mandatory, and instructing the Social Security Administration to notify workers if their Social Security number is used fraudulently. The bill aims to prevent hiring of undocumented immigrants and identity fraud. **Current Status** HR 251 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a bill in the early legislative stage, it may undergo revisions before any potential vote.
CRS Official Summary
Legal Workforce ActThis bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify.The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents.Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-Verify.The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers.Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the system.The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different sizes and categories of employers, including agricultural employers.The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.