KY Human Resource Professionals Endorse Employment Verification Legislation Co-Sponsored by Representatives Davis and Guthrie

ERLANGER, KY – The NKY Society for Human Resource Management today endorsed the New Employee Verification Act (NEVA), as co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Geoff Davis (R-KY) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY).  NEVA is intended to improve on the federal E-Verify program, which some Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 J. Scott McGarvey, President, NKY SHRM.

McGarvey noted that the E-Verify system only matches names and birthdates with Social Security Numbers or Immigration Document Numbers.  If these items match, such as the case with identity theft, the system will return the individual as an authorized worker even if those documents do not 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.

“Kentucky HR professionals can be part of the solution to prevent unauthorized workers, we just need an effective tool to help us achieve our common goal,” continued McGarvey.  “We commend Representatives Davis and Guthrie for a forward-thinking look at the problem of employment verification, and urge others in the Kentucky Congressional delegation to co-sponsor NEVA.”