OKLAHOMA CITY - In response to ongoing discussions about mandating E-Verify for employees in Oklahoma, Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, issued the following statement: 

“Although I appreciate the intent to protect Oklahoma jobs and wages, I have serious concerns about placing additional burdens on Oklahoma’s small businesses,” Banning said. “Requiring E-Verify for every W-2 employee would subject most Oklahomans to yet another federal database and would create additional regulatory challenges for Oklahoma businesses. If a business chooses to utilize E-Verify, I respect their decision but I cannot support making its use mandatory for every employer and employee in our state.” 

E-Verify is a federal program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The system allows employers to confirm the employment eligibility of employees by comparing information from an employee’s Form I-9. Federal law already mandates Form I-9, which confirms employee eligibility to work in the United States. 

Under federal law, most private employers are not required to use E-Verify unless they hold federal contracts or operate in states where its use is mandated. In Oklahoma, private employers are not required to use E-Verify though some choose to do so voluntarily.

Banning emphasized that while he supports efforts to address illegal immigration, he believes any solution should balance enforcement with protecting small businesses and Oklahomans’ liberty. 

“I fully support upholding the law and ensuring individuals come to the United States legally,” Banning said. “However, we must be careful not to create unnecessary obstacles for the Oklahoma businesses that drive our economy.”