Expansion of E-Verify Rules by the Trump Administration

The Trump administration is set to broaden E-Verify regulations to ensure that organizations applying for federal grants do not employ undocumented immigrants.

New guidelines from the White House Office of Management and Budget will mandate that all recipients of federal aid enroll in E-Verify. Additionally, employers must utilize this system to maintain their eligibility for federal support, as reported.

This change marks a notable shift from previous grant applications, where E-Verify wasn’t a requirement.

The initiative is part of a broader White House effort to eliminate fraud in federal spending. Non-compliance with these new rules could lead to substantial penalties, with fines between $288 and $2,861 for each incomplete I-9 form submitted.

Though many federal contractors have been obligated to join E-Verify since 2009, the proposed rule would extend these registration requirements to grant applicants in fields like health care, education, parks, and child care.

Further, it has been noted that while contractors with projects exceeding $150,000 must use E-Verify, the new OMB rule does not provide specific criteria for grant recipients, indicating that all grant applicants—regardless of size—must enroll in E-Verify and ensure all hires are processed through the system.

The regulations also stipulate that “grant recipients” or firms associated with them must also utilize E-Verify if they receive federal funding.

The OMB clarified that the new E-Verify requirement aims to enhance adherence to federal employment eligibility standards for those working under federal awards.

Although the OMB’s proposed rules do not directly address the president’s immigration objectives, it is clear that this change to the E-Verify regulations is part of President Trump’s ongoing commitment to enforce stricter immigration policies.