E-Verify Resumes Operations Following Government Shutdown

What's Happening?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program has resumed operations after being offline due to a government shutdown-imposed lapse in federal funding. E-Verify, a voluntary internet-based system, allows participating employers to verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees by comparing information from an employee's I-9 to data from DHS and SSA records. The system was unavailable from October 1, 2025, causing disruptions for employers who rely on it to confirm employment eligibility. Employers must now create an E-Verify case by October 14, 2025, for each employee hired during the system's downtime.

Why It's Important?

The temporary unavailability of E-Verify highlights the vulnerabilities in systems dependent on federal funding and the potential impact of government shutdowns on business operations. Employers who participate in E-Verify faced challenges in verifying employment eligibility, which could lead to compliance issues and delays in hiring processes. The resumption of E-Verify is crucial for maintaining the integrity of employment verification and ensuring that employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S. The situation underscores the importance of reliable government services for businesses and the potential consequences of funding lapses.

What's Next?

Employers participating in E-Verify must act quickly to create cases for employees hired during the system's downtime, using the hire date from the employee's Form I-9. DHS guidance allows employers to explain delays due to E-Verify's unavailability. Federal contractors affected by the shutdown will not have the days E-Verify was unavailable count toward their deadlines. Employers should prepare for potential delays in customer support requests as E-Verify operations normalize. The situation may prompt discussions on improving system resilience and funding stability to prevent future disruptions.

Beyond the Headlines

The E-Verify shutdown raises questions about the reliability of government-dependent systems and the broader implications for employment verification processes. It highlights the need for contingency plans to ensure business continuity during government funding lapses. The situation also brings attention to the legal and ethical dimensions of employment verification, emphasizing the balance between compliance and operational efficiency. Long-term, this event could influence policy discussions on funding priorities and the stability of essential government services.