E-Verify new state employees

A federal system that checks whether employees are eligible to work in the United States might be checking all new state employees.

Rep. Ernie Leidiger (R-Mayer) sponsors  HF1976 that would require new hires in all three branches of state government to submit to a check through the E-Verify system, which is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The House passed the bill 77-53

April 2. It now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Al DeKruif (R-Madison Lake) is the sponsor.

E-Verify cross-checks data from federal agencies to determine whether someone is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise authorized to work legally in the country. Supporters say it’s a useful tool to ensure that jobs only go to legally eligible workers.

“Since the state government is one of the largest employers in the state, we should set the example,” Leidiger said.

Opponents cite recent state and federal studies demonstrating inaccuracies in the system. They say it sometimes produces “false positives” that accidentally screen out workers who are perfectly legal.

“This current E-verify system has too many problems with it right now,” said Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park). He also cited a letter from Minnesota Management & Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter, who expressed concerns about the system’s accuracy.

Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. Louis Park) said he thought E-Verify is “generally a good idea,” but said the bill should include due process provisions for eligible workers who are accidentally screened out by the system.

Simon also noted that the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill because it prefers a federal solution to immigration issues as opposed to a piecemeal state-by-state approach.