Runestad bill ensures all public employees are eligible to work in U.S.

State Rep. Jim Runestad, of White Lake, this week testified before the House Commerce and Trade Committee in support of his legislation requiring public employers to use the E-Verify program to ensure potential employees are eligible to work in the United States.

The federal E-Verify system is a free, internet-based program that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work.

“To use E-Verify, an employer simply enters a new employee’s name, date of birth and Social Security number into an online system,” Runestad said. “The information is checked against the Social Security Administration’s database and Department of Homeland Security’s records, and within about 5 seconds the employer will receive a response.”

Runestad’s bill requires public employers to use the E-Verify program for employees and any subcontractors with whom they enter into contracts. In addition, the bill requires public employers to terminate a contract if it is discovered that a subcontractor employs two or more unauthorized workers. He said the program would ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to pay individuals not authorized to work in the United States.

“Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. It deprives unemployed and underemployed citizens and legal residents of opportunities to work, depresses working conditions and penalizes employers who obey the law,” Runestad said. “Requiring public employers to use E-Verify is a smart public policy because it protects the American working class against unfair job competition and wage depression.”

House Bill 4130 remains under consideration by the House Commerce and Trade Committee.