According to an article by the Center for Immigration Studies, “Since its introduction in 1996 as Basic Pilot, E-Verify remains the easiest way for employers to determine if their workers are eligible to work legally in the United States. A 2016 study confirmed what many have known for years: The E-Verify system is remarkably effective at deterring illegal immigration.” While most companies in Florida approve of mandatory E-Verify, certain agriculture businesses have expressed their concerns of having to enforce this program on their workers.
Adam Blalock, who represents the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, stated in a Palm Beach Post article that “the agriculture industry would suffer a short-term labor shortage that would result in lost and unharvested crops,” if E-Verify is made mandatory. The reason for this is that many Florida farmers employ illegal immigrants to help with their crops, especially during harvesting season. Farmers with a smaller business may look to employ undocumented immigrants to avoid the cost of providing employees benefits, minimum wage, etc. For this reason, mandatory E-Verify has been a controversial debate in the state of Florida for some time.
While the proposal for E-Verify was approved by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, it will still have to be approved by 60 percent of Florida voters in this year’s general-election ballot in order to go into effect.
Here at Sentinel Background Checks, we pride ourselves in our ability to conduct comprehensive pre-employment background screenings. With all our experience and industry credentials, including a NAPBS accreditation, we guarantee a safe and exceptional background check for all your future hires. Check out our homepage at sbchecks.com for more screening resources.