February 3, 2009

House of Representatives Approves Economic Stimulus Package to Include E-Verify Requirement

On January 28, 2009, the House of Representatives approved the $825 billion economic stimulus package (American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009). It was approved with an amendment reauthorizing the E-Verify employment verification program. Specifically, the amendment prohibits businesses (public and private) that do not use the E-Verify program from being awarded stimulus funds.

The amendment has generated controversy and is seen as impeding the purpose and objective of the stimulus package, as well as further delaying the distribution of stimulus funds. In effect, this amendment creates additional hurdles to businesses that need these funds to continue with their operations and employment of its workers.

Whether the E-Verify amendment will survive is yet to be seen. The U.S. Senate is considering its own version of the bill. It is expected that by the middle of February 2009 a finished bill will be presented to President Barack Obama.

GT will continue to monitor the status of this bill and will provide updates as information becomes available.