State-Level E-Verify Proposals Signal Shift In Employment Compliance Landscape

A growing number of states are considering legislation that would require more employers to use E-Verify, the federal system used to confirm that new hires are authorized to work in the United States. These proposals suggest a broader trend toward increased immigration-related employment compliance and may impact how businesses manage their hiring practices, particularly in sectors with large immigrant workforces.

Expanding E-Verify Requirements

In 2025, legislators in over a dozen states have introduced or advanced bills that would expand the use of E-Verify. Some states, such as Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, and Texas, are exploring new mandates that would apply to all employers. Others are building on existing laws by lowering employer size thresholds or increasing penalties for noncompliance.