The Pierce County City Council has passed an ordinance concerning E-Verify. This ordinance would end the requirement for the city to use the E-Verify system. Sponsored by Council members Yambe, Ayala, Hitchen, and Denson, Executive Mello proposed Ordinance No. O2025-510 to Pierce County City Council.

Ordinance No. O2025-510 specifically repealed the following code sections: “Application of E Verify Requirements,” “Enforcement of E Verify Contract Terms,” “E Verify,” and “Participation in E Verify.” It also amended the section titled “Definitions.” E-Verify is a web-based system that employers can use to check the employment eligibility of their employees.

Employers must still complete the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process when using E-Verify. In E-Verify, the employer will create a case using the information provided in completed Form I-9s. Once created, E-Verify compares the data to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records.

If the information entered by an employer does not match the SSA or DHS records, the system will provide a tentative nonconfirmation. Employees may take action to try to fix the mismatch when this happens. Employers cannot take adverse action against an employee who chooses to resolve the mismatch. Otherwise, employers may take adverse action if the employee does not address the mismatch. They can also take adverse action when the employee receives a final nonconfirmation result stating that E-Verify cannot confirm their work authorization.

Proponents of the ordinance have acknowledged the well-documented flaws in the E-Verify system. The ordinance also noted the frequent data entry errors. These issues have impacted many people eligible to work, particularly refugee and immigrant workers.

During a city council meeting, several organizations spoke out in support of the new ordinance. They discussed issues they experienced when using the E-Verify system. Executive Mello stated that the County is already making sure it has its employees’ employment documentation by completing the I-9 process. Additionally, the County would continue to abide by all employment laws. The city council had previously voted to end the requirement to use E-Verify in 2022. However, the Executive at the time vetoed the ordinance.

Passing this ordinance means the County will no longer require using E-Verify. However, this change does not exempt it from completing the employment eligibility verification process. The best way to complete this process is to use an electronic I-9 management system. This system guides employers through the employment eligibility process and stores digital copies of the forms and accompanying documentation for easy retrieval.

Increase your hiring and verification efficiency today with I-9 Compliance automation.

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