Summary of HR 2641: E-Verify Participation Requirement for Federal Contractors

Bill Number: HR 2641

Title: To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require all Federal contractors to participate in the E-Verify program.

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: April 03, 2025

Primary Sponsor: Ryan Mackenzie

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 2641 is to enhance the enforcement of immigration laws by mandating that all contractors and subcontractors working with federal agencies participate in the E-Verify program. This program is designed to verify the employment eligibility of individuals hired by employers in the United States.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Existing Law: The bill proposes an amendment to Section 402(e)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note).

• Mandatory E-Verify Participation: The amendment specifies that:

  • All contractors of federal executive or legislative agencies, as well as their subcontractors at any tier, must elect to participate in the E-Verify program.
  • Contractors must comply with the terms and conditions associated with their participation in the program.

Impact

• Affected Parties:

  • This legislation will directly affect all federal contractors and their subcontractors, requiring them to implement E-Verify processes.
  • It may also impact employees of these contractors, as their employment eligibility will be subject to verification through the E-Verify system.

• Compliance Requirements: Contractors will need to establish systems to ensure compliance with the E-Verify program, which may involve additional administrative responsibilities and potential costs.

Legislative Process

• Committee Referral: Upon introduction, HR 2641 was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Education and Workforce for consideration. The Speaker will determine the period for which the bill will be reviewed by these committees.

• Next Steps: The bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments within the committees before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

Conclusion

HR 2641 aims to strengthen the verification of employment eligibility among federal contractors by requiring participation in the E-Verify program. This legislative effort reflects ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and the responsibilities of employers in the federal contracting space. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, pending committee review.