A More Reliable Alternative to E-Verify Sought by Valley of the Sun Human Resources Association

PHOENIX, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Valley of the Sun Human Resources Association (VSHRA) today endorsed the New Employee Verification Act (NEVA), as introduced by U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). NEVA is intended to improve on the E-Verify program, which Arizona requires all employers to use, yet 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 Arizona are in an increasingly difficult position. If an unauthorized worker is added to the payroll, our companies face severe consequences in terms of fines and potential loss of license. Yet we have no foolproof system to determine whether an applicant is presenting forged or stolen identity documents," said Kelsie McClendon, President, Valley of the Sun Human Resources Association.

McClendon noted that the E-Verify system only matches names and birthdates and 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 don't belong to the person presenting them.

"Although E-Verify provides an employer a defense from prosecution in Arizona if an unauthorized worker is hired, it doesn't provide protection from the costs of business disruptions caused by local and federal law enforcement investigations and workplace raids, nor potential legal costs," McClendon continued. "NEVA will go a long way towards rectifying this situation and improving employment verification throughout the country."

The Giffords legislation 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.

"Arizona's HR professionals can be part of the solution to preventing unauthorized workers, we just need an effective tool to help us achieve our common goal," said Larry R. Betz, Chair of the VSHRA Legislative Action Committee. "We commend Representative Giffords for a forward-thinking look at the problem of employment verification, and urge others in the Arizona Congressional delegation to co-sponsor NEVA."

The Valley of the Sun Human Resource Association (VSHRA) is a Superior Merit Award chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). With over 400 members representing over 250 companies throughout metropolitan Phoenix, VSHRA the largest local chapter of the Arizona State SHRM Council. Founded in 1947, VSHRA is an organization committed to advancing the profession through educational and career development opportunities, networking and community involvement.

SOURCE The Valley of the Sun Human Resource Association