SC Businesses Satisfied with new E-Verify Requirement

The South Carolina Illegal Immigration and Reform Act went into effect on January 1, and the state has provided training sessions to employers who will be impacted by the new laws. A new Associate Press report says that employers say the new mandates will be painless.

The law requires businesses with state contracts and at least 500 employees to begin using E-Verify beginning on Jan. 1 with all businesses conforming by July 1, 2010. About 50 people attended a seminar near West Columbia, S.C. on Wednesday that was sponsored by the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. It was one of more than a dozen meetings to occur across the state.

Employers face a $1,000 fine should they hire illegal aliens and could have their business license suspended. Employment attorney Chris Lauderdale told attendees the penalties are severe, but the solution is easy. He recommended all businesses use the federal online database E-Verify.

More information can be found at the Charlotte Observer and on the NumbersUSA.com websit..