To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require all Federal contractors to participate in the E-verify program.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 8, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands mandatory E-Verify usage to all federal contractors and their subcontractors, aiming to prevent the employment of unauthorized workers on government contracts.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that all federal contractors and their subcontractors, at every tier, must participate in the E-Verify program. It amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to expand the existing E-Verify requirements to cover all entities doing business with the executive or legislative branches of the Federal Government.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill strengthens immigration enforcement by ensuring that federal funds are not used to subsidize illegal employment. They contend it protects jobs for legal workers, promotes fair competition among businesses, and enhances national security by verifying the legal status of individuals working on government contracts.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that mandating E-Verify for all contractors, including those at every subcontractor tier, places an undue administrative and financial burden on businesses, particularly small enterprises. They also raise concerns about the accuracy of the E-Verify system, which could lead to erroneous employment denials for authorized workers and potential disruptions in federal supply chains.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it very accessible for a quick read and immediate comprehension of its core purpose.
Section 1, amending Section 402(e)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note)
Mandatory E-Verify for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors
This provision requires every business that holds a contract with any agency in the executive or legislative branch of the Federal Government, as well as all of their subcontractors at any level, to enroll in and comply with the terms of the E-Verify program. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows employers to confirm the employment eligibility of their new hires with federal databases.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision closes a significant loophole, ensuring that federal funds are not inadvertently used to support illegal employment. They believe it promotes a level playing field for businesses that comply with immigration laws and protects job opportunities for legal residents and citizens.
Critics contend
Critics contend that mandating E-Verify for all contractors and subcontractors, regardless of contract size or tier, imposes a substantial administrative and financial burden, particularly on small businesses. They also highlight concerns about the E-Verify system's accuracy, which could lead to authorized workers being wrongly denied employment or experiencing significant delays.
Tradeoffs
The bill navigates the tension between strengthening immigration enforcement and the potential for increased compliance costs and administrative burdens on the vast network of federal contractors and subcontractors. It also balances the goal of preventing illegal employment against the risk of system errors affecting authorized workers.
The bill mandates participation in the E-Verify program as described in section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This means the specific operational details, requirements, and limitations of the E-Verify system are incorporated by reference.
Section 1, amending 8 U.S.C. 1324a note, referencing 'section 403(a)'
Why it matters:This is standard legislative drafting practice to maintain conciseness and avoid reprinting lengthy existing statutory language. It focuses the bill on the amendment being made rather than the underlying program's established details.
Case for: Incorporating by reference streamlines the legislative text, making the bill easier to read and focusing attention on the specific change being proposed. It assumes familiarity with existing law or the ability to easily reference it.
Case against: For readers unfamiliar with the specific details of 8 U.S.C. 1324a note, section 403(a), the full implications of the E-Verify mandate might not be immediately apparent without external research, potentially obscuring the program's operational complexities or known issues.
Estimated impact: The impact is that the E-Verify program, with all its existing rules, procedures, and potential limitations, is now mandated for a significantly broader set of employers, extending its operational effects to a wider segment of the economy.