E-Verify Law Takes Effect in Murrieta

A new law quietly went into effect almost 30 days ago in Murrieta.

As part of obtaining or renewing a business license in Murrieta, employers must now sign a form stating they will use the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify system to check the legal work status of new hires.

City Council passed the ordinance mandating its use back in December, but the law wasn't scheduled to take effect until 90 days later--or March 19.

"We haven't had any questions or complaints," said Brian Ambrose, senior management analyst for the City of Murrieta.

When business owners come in to City Hall to renew or obtain a business license, Ambrose said the license form now has an extra check box they are required to fill in, indicating they will use the system.

"So it is as simple and user-friendly as possible," Ambrose said.

He said the cost of implementing the law has been minimal. The City spent a few thousand on computer software and revised forms.

He said the City will use complaint-driven enforcement. The City employs five full-time code enforcement officers, and this will be added to their duties. If the City receives a complaint that a business owner is not using E-Verify, code enforcement officers will be sent to investigate.

In addition to supplying an I-9, new hires will need to be run through the E-Verify system, a document-checking computer database administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Mariana Gitomer, a USCIS spokeswoman, said the program is free to employers and can be found on the USCIS website.

“Our purpose is to provide a tool for employers. We are not mandating it, but if a city wants to mandate it, that's up to the city,” Gitomer said.

Employers can set up an E-Verify account through the department and sign a memorandum of understanding, she said.

Potential hires will automatically be run through photo matching if they present identification other than a driver’s license, such as a permanent resident card, passport or passport card, or an employment authorization document.

According to the ordinance, Murrieta businesses that do not comply with the ordinance will be fined up to $100. If there is a second violation within a 24-month period, the fine increases up to $200 and the business license is suspended for three months. Upon a third violation within the same period, the business loses its license for one year and is fined up to $500.

To help business owners implement it, Ambrose said the City is planning to hold a workshop during which the Department of Homeland Security will do a tutorial.

He said the City hasn't set a date for the workshop yet. An added cost will be sending a mailer out to notify about 8,000 business owners, he said.