E-Verify (H 5106, H 5236, H 5258, S 0148)

The ACLU of RI testified in February before the House Labor committee in opposition to a bill making E-Verify use mandatory by Rhode Island employers, and in favor of a bill keeping the E-Verify program voluntary (H 5106, H 5236, H 5258, S 0148).  The ACLU noted that E-Verify continues to be an error-prone system which disproportionately disqualifies legal workers with Hispanic and Arabic last names, is used by employers to discriminate against potential workers, and fails to prevent undocumented workers from obtaining employment.  Legislation mandating the use of E-Verify passed the House in 2009, but none of these bills progressed this year. Read our testimony here.