Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2641 - To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require all Federal contractors to participate in the E-verify program. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2641 proposes amending the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to mandate that all federal contractors and subcontractors participate in the E-Verify program. This bill aims to ensure that federal contractors only employ individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 3, 2025, and referred to the Committees on the Judiciary and Education and Workforce.

Expected Effects

If enacted, H.R.2641 would require all federal contractors to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. This could lead to increased compliance costs for contractors and potential delays in hiring. It may also reduce the employment of unauthorized workers by federal contractors.

Potential Benefits

  • Ensures federal contractors comply with immigration laws.
  • Reduces the likelihood of employing unauthorized workers.
  • May create a more level playing field for businesses that already use E-Verify.
  • Could potentially increase job opportunities for authorized workers.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increases compliance costs for federal contractors, especially small businesses.
  • May lead to delays in hiring processes.
  • Potential for errors in the E-Verify system could negatively impact authorized workers.
  • Could disproportionately affect industries that rely on immigrant labor.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutionality is primarily tied to the federal government's power to regulate immigration and set conditions for federal contracts. Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. The requirement for federal contractors to use E-Verify could be seen as an extension of this power, ensuring compliance with existing immigration laws within the context of federal employment. However, potential challenges could arise if the implementation of E-Verify infringes upon individual rights or due process.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).