Beginning January 1, 2009, Piedmont Technical College will begin implementing electronic employment verification on all new hires through E-Verify in compliance with South Carolina state law.

Overview

E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the electronic verification of employment eligibility for new hire employees. Effective January 2009, E-Verify became mandatory in the state of South Carolina.

Employee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is E-Verify?

E-Verify is an Internet-based system for employment eligibility verification. It is operated by DHS in partnership with SSA.

Is E-Verify required?

E-Verify is not required by the federal government. However, beginning January 1, 2009 it is a requirement in South Carolina under state law.

How does E-Verify work?

E-Verify works by providing an automated link to federal databases to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers by comparing information provided on the I-9 Form to records in the SSA and DHS databases. The result of the search is instantly returned. One of 3 results will be returned:

• Employment Authorized
• SSA Tentative Noncomfirmation (TNC)
• DHS Verification in Progress

What do the E-Verify results mean?

• Employment Authorized: The employee is authorized to work.
• SSA Tentative Noncomfirmation (TNC): There is an information mismatch with SSA.
• DHS Verification in Progress: DHS will usually respond within 24 hours with either an Employment Authorization or DHS Tentative Noncomfirmation.

What happens if my results return a TNC?

You will be contacted by Human Resources with the needed information and instructions on how to contest the mismatched information with the appropriate agency. You have eight (8) federal government work days to contact the appropriate agency. During this time, Piedmont Technical College can take no adverse action against you. This includes, but is not limited to, denying pay or benefits, termination, or delaying training. If you do not contact the appropriate agency within the 8 days or after contesting the mismatch you receive a Final Noncomfirmation, you will be considered ineligible to work and will be terminated by Piedmont Technical College.

Will everybody be run through E-Verify?

All new hires entering into paid positions with Piedmont Technical College will be run through E-Verify beginning January 1, 2009. This includes, but is not limited to: Faculty, Staff, Dual Employment, Temporary Employees, Students, Temporary Grants. Employees already hired before January 1st will not be run through E-Verify.

What are my rights as an employee under E-Verify?

You have the right to provide the document(s) of your choice from the authorized list on the Form I-9 in order to establish identity and eligibility of work. However, if you choose a List B document, it must include a photo ID. You also have the right to contest a TNC without adverse action being taken against you by Piedmont Technical College.

Who do I contact if I think I have been unfairly treated or discriminated against?

Employees who believe that they have been subjected to discrimination based upon their national origin, citizenship, or immigration status with respect to hiring, firing, or recruitment, through Piedmont Technical College’s use of E-Verify, or when completing the Form I-9 should call the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515) for assistance.

Where can I find additional information about E-Verify?

For additional information regarding E-Verify, please go to:
http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
E-Verify Employee Brochure - English (pdf)
E-Verify Employee Brochure - Spanish (pdf)