WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing the Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, has introduced legislation that requires all federal contractors to use the E-Verify system. The Day 1, Dollar 1 E-Verify Act expands existing requirements for federal contractors to participate in the E-Verify, removing exceptions relating to the cost and duration of contracts. Up until now, contractors were not subject to E-Verify requirements if the federal contract totaled less than $150,000 or lasted fewer than 120 days.

“The federal government has a duty to ensure that American workers and taxpayers come first,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Not one dime of taxpayer money should ever fund illegal immigrant labor; it lowers wages, deprives American workers of opportunities, and reduces federal tax revenue. By tightening the law and closing loopholes, we will ensure that federal contractors never pass over American workers.”

Congressman Mackenzie has been a strong advocate for the expanded use of E-Verify, including during his time as a Pennsylvania State Representative. In 2019, then-State Representative Mackenzie authored and passed a law that required the use of E-Verify in Pennsylvania’s construction industry.

Federal contractors not in compliance with E-Verify provisions are subject to penalties such as potential contract termination, suspension or debarment, civil fines between $500 and $1,000 per violation, corrective actions, and loss of federal funding.

“One of the most under-discussed consequences of large-scale illegal immigration has been its  damaging effect on American workers,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Millions of low-wage, illegal immigrant workers operating in the black market have created a crisis of unfair competition in our workforce. Fortunately, we already have some tools to address this problem, we just need to use them. I will keep working to expand the use of E-Verify and ensure that American jobs go to American workers.”

Bill text HERE

Background on E-Verify system HERE

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Arnaud Armstrong
Communications Director
U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie