County uses Web to weed out illegal immigrants

Nevada County has become the first county in the state to use a quick and easy Internet program that verifies U.S. employment eligibility, said Supervisor Sue Horne.

After unanimous approval from the board of supervisors in March, the county's Human Resource department began implementing the Employment Eligibility Verification program or E-Verify System two weeks ago.

"It's automating the process. We're actually online and connected to Social Security and Homeland Security data bases," said Gayle Satchwell, director of human resources for the county.

After a trial run, the board could consider requiring contracted employers to use the system as well, Horne said.

"I think the entire board wants to see how it works. It is something we will take a look at," Horne said.

Efforts are underway in the state legislature that could prevent counties from mandating independent contractors to use E-Verify, Horne said.

The computer application permits employers to verify the work-authorization status of new employees at no cost to the county in a way that conforms with federal law.

"We do have a very serious illegal immigration issue in this nation," said Supervisor Sue Horne, who brought the item before the board after a local resident notified her of the program.

Illegal immigrants never have applied for county jobs as far as Horne and Satchwell can recall.

Several local trucking companies have had trouble with the Internal Revenue Service because of illegal immigrants, Horne said.

"I think it's become more of an issue in certain pockets of Nevada County," Horne said and cited trades such as construction that are difficult to track.

Horne is running for State Assembly against Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue, a strong supporter of U.S. border control.

To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.