Representatives Sam Johnson (R-TX) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) have reintroduced the New Employee Verification Act (NEVA) of 2009 (H.R. 2028) which would extend E-Verify until November 2013 while implementing a new system for verifying the work eligibility of new hires. Under the bill, the paper-based I-9 screening process would eventually be replaced with an Electronic Employee Verification System, known as EEVS.  The system would rely on the use of fewer, more secure identity documents and would automatically route verification queries for U.S. citizens through the Social Security Administration (SSA) while non-citizen information would be sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database. Employers can also choose to enroll in the Secure Electronic Employment Verification System (SEEVS), a voluntary system which employers could use as an added level of security. The SEEVS would include a standard background check and the collection of a biometric technology—such as a fingerprint or eye scan—to secure an employee’s identity, work authorization and prevent future fraudulent use of a Social Security number for the purposes of illegal employment.

More information on the new bill can be found on Congressman Johnson’s web site.