What is E-Verify?

E-Verify is a voluntary online program that Congress began in 1997.

The free program was available to California, Florida, Illinois and Texas in 1997. In 1999 it was expanded to Nebraska, and in December 2004 the program was expanded to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

A bill in 2007 would have required employers who receive incentives and public contracts in North Carolina to use E-Verify.

The program uses the information found on an I-9 form, which is filled out by all U.S. workers. The form records information found on documents such as the employee's passport, drivers license and birth certificate if the employee is a U.S. citizen.

For non-citizens, the I-9 requires a permanent residence card (green card) or employment authorization document.