E-verify: This time it's for real

After multiple delays and the failure of a last-minute reprieve, the electronic system for contractors to verify the legal status of their employees is now open for business and a requirement for working with the government.

Known as E-verify, the system is a holdover from the Bush administration that the Obama administration has delayed four times as it reviewed the requirement.

Once the government decided to move forward, the business community led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed suit which was dismissed late last month.

The courts also decided against delaying the start of the program pending appeal.

In essence, E-verify requires contractors to enroll and use the system for all new hires and for current employees working on federal contracts within the United States.

The Homeland Security Department, which administers the program, has issued a set of FAQs for companies enrolling in the system.