E-Verify, considered one of the most efficient and effective tools for verifying employment eligibility, would be permanently reauthorized under legislation introduced recently by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026, S. 4620, which Sen. Capito cosponsored on May 21 alongside nine of her Republican colleagues, also would require the use of the E-Verify program by all employers in the United States.

“E-Verify is a proven tool that helps businesses comply with federal immigration laws and protects American workers,” Sen. Capito said on May 29. “Establishing a national standard will enforce workplace compliance and strengthen employer’s ability to verify eligibility.”

Additionally, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Capito’s staff, S. 4620 would enhance civil and criminal penalties for employing illegal aliens, improve fraud prevention measures within the E-Verify program, and prohibit states from blocking or preventing employers from using E-Verify.

Ensuring businesses only hire authorized workers would increase wages by stopping illegal immigration from undercutting American workers, according to the bill’s supporters, who along with cosponsor Sen. Capito include bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Katie Britt (R-AL) and eight other original cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

The 68-page measure is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.