In 1996, Congress authorized USCIS to pilot three electronic employment verification systems.  The only one that survives today is known as “E-Verify.”  This online verification system must be completed in addition to Form I-9.   Although E-Verify is a voluntary federal program for most employers, a number of states have enacted laws requiring some or all employers to participate in E-Verify.  The federal government also requires certain federal contractors to participate.  Employers failing to properly verify work authorization may be subject to a variety of civil and criminal penalties.