H.R. 251: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make mandatory and permanent requirements relating to use of an electronic employment eligibility verification system, and for other purposes.

Legal Workforce Act

This bill makes E-Verify permanent and mandatory for all employers. E-Verify would replace the I-9 system and quickly establish employment authorization for employees, giving employers safe harbor if they use the system in good faith. 

The bill phases in mandatory use for all new hires as follows:

• Employers of more than 10,000: 6 months
• Employers of more than 500: 1 year
• Employers of more than 20: 2 years
• Recruiters and referrers: 1 year
• Agricultural employers: 2.5 years

Employers of 50 or less can receive a one-time 6-month extension to comply.

Employers have to reverify those with limited work authorization (with the same phase-in period and classes above)

The Social Security Administration is required to notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner (also known as no-match). DHS is also required to establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers.

Penalties are increased for knowingly hiring illegal aliens.

State laws on E-Verify are preempted by the law, but states are authorized to penalize businesses using state business licenses.