Using E-Verify Program Now a Prerequisite for Obtaining Georgia Business Licenses

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 into law this past Friday, May 13. Amongst other provisions to control illegal immigration, the law requires businesses with more than 10 employees to comply with the E-Verify Program in order to get their business licenses.

E-Verify is a free online system operated by the Department of Homeland Security that allows an employer to determine the eligibility of his employees to work in the United States.

The only other states that mandate the use of the E-Verify system are Arizona, South Carolina, Utah and Mississippi.

The law goes into effect for businesses with more than 500 employees by January 1, 2012; for businesses with more than 100 employees by July 1, 2012 and for businesses with more than 10 employees by July 1, 2013.

“The use of E-Verify means everyone plays by the same rules – and it protects employers by giving them a federal stamp of approval on their workforce,” Governor Deal stated, as quoted in ESR. “This also protects workers because those who live in the shadows of our society lack legal protections and they’re vulnerable to fraud and abuse.”

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