The INS has implemented the Basic Employment Confirmation Pilot Program, which confirms the employment eligibility of newly hired employees to work in the United States. The Pilot Program is being conducted by the INS and the Social Security Administration ("SSA") to verify Social Security Numbers ("SSNs") and alien identification numbers for new employees. All employers in the states of Texas, California, Florida, and New York are eligible to participate. Once an employer has signed up to participate in
one of the eligible states, the employer may elect to sign up the other branches of its company which are located outside of the Basic Pilot Program states. The Basic Pilot Program is a good tool for employers to use in its verification program. All employees hired after November 1986, must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States by demonstrating proof of identity and employment authorization. With software provided by the INS and the SSA, employers can use the Basic Pilot Program to confirm the employment eligibility of a newly hired employee. Using the Electronic Verification Program removes the guesswork from document review during the I-9 process.Additionally, the program improves the accuracy of wage and tax reporting. The INS provides employers with posters that notify prospective employees and job applicants of the employer's use of the electronic verification procedures. Many undocumented workers with fraudulent documents may be deterred from applying for a job with a company that utilizes the verification program. Thus, Electronic Verification Program assists employers hire and retain employees who are authorized for employment. Additionally, we recommend using the Basic Pilot Program and can assist companies with signing up and implementing the Basic Pilot Program into the company's verification compliance plan.