Social Security Verification vs. E-Verify.

There is some confusion as to the difference between verifying a social security number, and authorizing one’s eligibility to work in the United States (E-Verify). Due to the increased number of “e-raids” that the Department of Homeland Security is conducting on businesses, organizations must ensure that they’re employing applicants who are authorized to work in the United States, which can be achieved in two ways:

The first method is to verify through a Social Security Administration database that the social security number, name of employee, and date of birth all match. The second, and more reliable method, is to validate employment eligibility by enrolling in the E-Verify program, a government database which authorizes eligibility for employment. Once enrolled in E-Verify, employers may check that the I-9 documents provided by the employee (permanent resident card, passport, birth certificate, etc.) are authentic, and provide authorization for the employee to work in the United States.