On June 9, the Department of Homeland Security announced that all federal contractors will be required to use E-Verify, the government’s electronic employment eligibility verification system, to verify the legal status of their new hires.

"A large part of our success in enforcing the nation's immigration laws hinges on equipping employers with the tools to determine quickly and effectively if a worker is legal or illegal," said Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. "E-Verify is a proven tool that helps employers immediately verify the legal working status for all new hires."

An executive order had been amended by President George W. Bush ordering all federal departments and agencies to require their contractors to agree to use the electronic eligibility verification system; in response to this executive order, Chertoff designated E-Verify as a required system of use for all companies choosing to work with the federal government. Comments regarding this new requirement will be accepted for 60 days.