Shutdown shuts down E-Verify
DHS has shut down E-Verify during the pendency of the current government shutdown. DHS explains:
E-Verify Accounts Inaccessible
While E-Verify is unavailable, employers will not be able to access their E-Verify accounts to:
- Enroll in E-Verify;
- Create an E-Verify case;
- View or take action on any case;
- Add, delete or edit any user account;
- Reset passwords;
- Edit company information;
- Terminate accounts; and
- Run reports.
Also, employees will be unable to resolve E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmations (TNCs).
What’s an employer to do? For starters, DHS has suspended the 3-day deadline, which normally would require an E-Verify case to be commenced within the deadline for completing I-9’s, i.e., within the first three business business days following hire. Here is DHS’ list of accommodations and advice for employers during the shutdown:
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The “three-day rule” for creating E-Verify cases is suspended for cases affected by the unavailability of E-Verify.
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The time period during which employees may resolve TNCs will be extended. The number of days E-Verify is not available will not count toward the days the employee has to begin the process of resolving their TNCs.
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We will provide additional guidance regarding “three-day rule” and time period to resolve TNCs deadlines once operations resume.
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Employers may not take adverse action against an employee because the E-Verify case is in an interim case status, including while the employee’s case is in an extended interim case status due to the unavailability of E-Verify.
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Federal contractors with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause should contact their contracting officer to inquire about extending federal contractor deadlines.
Source: See the DHS’ web page regarding the impact of the current shutdown on E-Verify, https://www.e-verify.gov/e-verify-and-e-verify-services-are-unavailable