E-Verify is an online system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of employees by checking the information provided in an

employee’s Form I-9 against DHS and Social Security Administration databases. The

program is voluntary for some employers. However following changes to the Federal

Acquisition Regulation, employers awarded a federal contract after September 8th, 2009 must use E-Verify to confirm the employment status of current employees who will work on the new contract and all subsequent hires. Participation in the E-Verify program allows employers to avoid sanctions and immigration raids by the government.