E-Verify Enhances Security; Now Checks Passports and Passport Cards

10 Nov 2010

The E-Verify program’s security system has just been enhanced, says USCIS and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) representatives. The new enhancements include enabling E-Verify to automatically check the validity and authenticity of all US passports and passport cards used as employment verification documents. As of November 10, E-Verify employers can verify the identity of new employees who present US passports or passport cards by comparing data on the documents with federal records.

"U.S. passport photo matching is another in the long line of enhancements we have made to improve the integrity of the E-Verify system," said DHS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "Adding U.S. passport photos expands our current photo matching efforts and will play a significant role in preventing and detecting the use of fraudulent documents—all part of major anti-fraud initiatives undertaken by the Department."