Kansas Human Resource Professionals Endorse Representative Moore’s Employment Verification Legislation

The Kansas SHRM State Council Human Resources Association today endorsed the New Employee Verification Act (NEVA), as co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Dennis Moore (D-KS). NEVA is intended to improve on the federal E-Verify program, which many Kansas employers now use, but has been criticized for inaccuracies and a vulnerability to fraud and identity theft. NEVA is intended to prevent unauthorized work in the United States by requiring verification of all new hires through the use of a more reliable, technologically advanced verification system than currently exists. “Employers in Kansas are in an increasingly difficult position. Despite best intentions, if an unauthorized worker is added to the payroll, our companies could face severe legal consequences – yet we have no foolproof system to determine whether an applicant is presenting forged or stolen identity documents,” said Lisa Carlton, State Council Director, Kansas State SHRM Council. Ms. Carlton noted that the E-Verify system only matches names and birthdates with Social Security numbers or immigration document numbers. If these items match, which is the case with identity theft, the system will return the individual as an authorized worker even if those documents don’t belong to the person presenting them. NEVA would create a voluntary biometrics option that employers could choose to use in the verification process. This system would include a standard background check and the collection of a “biometric” characteristic – such as a thumbprint – to secure an employee’s identity and prevent the illegal use a Social Security number, stolen or fraudulently-obtained drivers’ license, or altered identification documents. “Kansas HR professionals can be part of the solution to preventing unauthorized workers, we just need an effective tool to help us achieve our common goal,” continued Ms. Carlton. “We commend Representative Moore for a forward-thinking look at the problem of employment verification, and urge others in the Kansas Congressional delegation to co-sponsor NEVA.”