WeVote
Log In

Bill

AS

Bill

A 4638

Prohibits the employment of unauthorized aliens and requires employers to use E-Verify program.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie

New Jersey bill requiring all employers to use E-Verify system to confirm workers' legal authorization to work in the United States.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4638

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4638 would mandate that all New Jersey employers use the E-Verify system—a federal database that checks employment authorization—and prohibit the hiring of unauthorized immigrants. The bill creates a legal requirement for employer compliance with this verification process before workers can be employed.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects hiring practices across New Jersey's workforce and touches on immigration enforcement at the state level. It would impose administrative and compliance burdens on employers while potentially impacting labor availability in industries that depend on immigrant workers, from construction to agriculture to healthcare.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer burden and cost: E-Verify requires system access and staff training; small businesses cite compliance costs and technical issues with the database's accuracy
  • False positives and worker impacts: E-Verify has documented error rates that can wrongly flag authorized workers as ineligible, creating employment disruptions and potential discrimination concerns
  • Labor market effects: Critics argue mandatory verification could reduce available workers in certain sectors and increase labor costs, while supporters counter it protects jobs for authorized workers and citizens
  • Federal-state authority: Questions about whether states should enforce federal immigration law and whether this duplicates existing federal I-9 verification requirements
  • Implementation details: The bill's current language lacks specificity on penalties, compliance timelines, and exceptions for certain employer categories

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.