WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act to assist employers in certifying the legal status of their workforce. Grassley was joined by Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
Specifically, the legislation would permanently authorize, expand and require employers to participate in the free, internet-based E-Verify program, which helps determine if a current or prospective employee is authorized to work in the United States. The bill includes provisions to provide E-Verify access to businesses in rural communities or areas without internet capabilities.
“E-Verify is a proven tool for employers, including myself, to ensure our businesses are legally staffed. By reducing incentives for illegal immigration and safeguarding job opportunities for Americans and other legal workers, our bill would boost accountability in the workforce and support our nation’s small businesses,” Grassley said.
“So many families are still struggling to make ends meet from four years of Joe Biden’s disastrous economic policies. Congress’ top priority should be strengthening American businesses and protecting good-paying jobs. Expanding the E-Verify program to every business across the country will protect jobs for American workers and give employers the tools they need to legally staff their companies. We must get serious about enforcing all of our country’s immigration laws, including those pertaining to participation in the workforce,” Tuberville said.
“E-verify is a proven, cost-effective way to ensure businesses are following our laws and a tool to deter illegal immigration,” Ernst said. “Through this commonsense bill, I’m proud to work with Senator Grassley to support our employers and ease the burden on Iowa small businesses to ensure the legal status of our workforce.”
“I’m proud to support legislation that protects American workers and deters illegal migration. The E-Verify program is critical to ensuring that illegal aliens cannot work unlawfully in the United States. The American people delivered a clear verdict on this issue last November, and I will continue working to ensure that verdict is carried out," Britt said.
“The Biden administration deliberately created a crisis at the border and allowed unchecked illegal immigration. The Trump administration and Republican Congress are addressing the full range of that crisis, including through this legislation, which prioritizes Americans in the workforce and in the process reduces the incentives for further illegal immigration. I encourage my colleagues to expeditiously advance this bill,” Cruz said.
Find bill text HERE.
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