House Committee Voices Concerns over Mandatory E-Verify

On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing to examine E-Verify and its proposed legislative alternatives. During the hearing, several members of the Subcommittee expressed concerns about the cost to make E-Verify mandatory and its burdens on the Social Security system. With respect to the latter, Chairman Michael McNulty (D-N.Y.) questioned whether mandating use of E-Verify would divert resources away from Social Security's primary mission. In his opening statement, Chairman McNulty informed the committee of the backlog in Social Security disability claims. He noted that claimants in Atlanta, which has the worst backlog in the country, wait an average of 849 days to have their claim processed. Moreover, he made it clear that he would oppose any program adding to the backlog. (See Chairman McNulty's press release, April 28, 2008)

Among the witnesses present were Representatives Heath Schuler (D-N.C.) and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), both of whom testified in support of E-Verify. In 1996, Rep. Calvert authored the portion of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (P.L. 104-32) establishing E-Verify as a pilot program (originally called Basic Pilot). Since its inception, employer use of E-Verify has grown steadily, but federal law provides that the program will sunset November 30, 2008. In the hearing, Rep.Calvert explained that to prevent the program from expiring, he has introduced a bill, H.R.19, that would make E-Verify permanent and phase in its mandatory use over seven years. Rep. Schuler told the committee that he supports making E-Verify permanent and mandatory for all employers. He explained that the SAVE Act (H.R. 4088), which he authored, would do just that. (Read FAIR's analysis of the SAVE Act) When pressed about the cost of E-Verify by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Rep. Schuler responded, "Well, the most important thing is what is the value of security in America?"

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Guide to State and Local Action to Deterring Illegal Immigration
Increasingly across the country, state and local governments are being asked by their constituents to address the fast growing presence of illegal immigrants in their communities. The issues that have persuaded local policymakers of the need to grapple with this complex and often emotional issue include the fiscal burden on taxpayers, quality of education, crime, national security, protection of American jobs for Americans, traffic safety and zoning issues, to name just a few. The Guide discusses these issues in sections dealing with the fiscal impacts of illegal immigrants, denying jobs to illegal alien workers and protecting opportunities for American workers, and addressing community impact issues such as schooling, housing, crime incidence, and unlicensed drivers.
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