WASHINGTON – The American Meat Institute (AMI) has submitted comments to the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Secretariat against a proposed rule that would require federal subcontractors to use E-Verify to check employees’ work authorization.

The proposed rule is anticipated to have an effective date in fiscal 2009.

"AMI supports the Administration’s objective of fostering a legally authorized workforce," the AMI said in the comments. "The proposed rule’s procurement objective of promoting 'economy' and 'efficiency' will not be achieved, however, if the rule expands, rather than reduces the practical and legal uncertainties that contractors subject to it confront."

The comments refer to two fundamental challenges that the AMI believes should be addressed: problems in the effectiveness of the E-Verify program must be addressed before its mandated usage system is greatly expanded and the legal basis for expanding E-Verify administratively beyond the statutory limitations of the program must be sound.

"The worst outcome of a final rule would be to add to the existing employer compliance confusion that has characterized immigration law since the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and the resulting litigation and compliance challenges that undermine rather than enhance economic productivity and efficiency," the comments conclude.

To view AMI’s comments in their entirety, click here: http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/41078

Source: American Meat Institute