Prohibits the employment of unauthorized aliens and requires employers to use E-Verify program.
The active enforcement of this bill would significantly alter current state employment practices by establishing penalties for employers who fail to adhere to E-Verify requirements. Employers found to violate these provisions can face civil penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the circumstances of the violation. Furthermore, if an employer is found to have knowingly employed an unauthorized alien, they may be subjected to license suspensions or even permanent revocation of their business licenses for repeat offenses.
Senate Bill 4221, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the use of the E-Verify program for all employers to verify the employment eligibility of new hires. This requirement applies to employers based on the size of their workforce, with those employing 100 or more workers required to comply by December 31, 2020, and smaller employers by December 31, 2021. The E-Verify program is a federal online system that confirms whether employees are authorized to work in the United States, thus placing responsibility on employers to ensure compliance.
There is notable contention surrounding this legislation, particularly regarding its implications for local business owners and immigrant workers. Proponents argue that the E-Verify requirement is essential to ensure legal employment and enhance economic integrity. Opponents, however, express concerns over the potential for discrimination and unwanted consequences on employee relations due to legal vulnerabilities that arise from rigorous enforcement of unauthorized employment provisions. The bill's efficacy in preventing the employment of unauthorized workers while not overly burdening legitimate businesses is a critical point of debate.