Pa. Expands E-Verify Database To Check Construction Workers Status

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - In a year, construction industry employers in Pennsylvania will be required to verify an employee's legal status to work in the United States through a federal database called E-Verify.

Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday that he'll let the bill become law. It passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly and takes effect in a year.

The state already requires E-Verify to be used on publicly funded construction projects that exceed $25,000.

Under the new law, construction industry employers will be required to check an employee's records in E-Verify.

Employers are prohibited from knowingly employing someone who isn't legally permitted to work in the United States, and a court could order a business' license suspended for a second violation.

The state Department of Labor and Industry is tapped to investigate complaints.

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