Iowa Governor Mandates E-Verify Use for All State Agencies
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a new executive order requiring all state government departments to use E-Verify and SAVE, two federal systems that confirm a person’s legal right to work or receive state-issued licenses.
In her statement, Gov. Reynolds said the decision was made to strengthen accountability and safeguard the integrity of public institutions.
The move follows the arrest of former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roberts, who is accused of being in the country illegally, was employed by the district despite Des Moines Public Schools not participating in E-Verify.
E-Verify is a free online system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It checks an employee’s I-9 information against federal databases to confirm work eligibility. Currently, 21 states have some form of E-Verify requirement, but Iowa has not been among them until now.
In addition to E-Verify, the executive order mandates the use of SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements), another federal program that verifies an individual’s immigration or citizenship status when applying for certain benefits, licenses, or public services.
The governor’s office said a memorandum of understanding is being developed, with full implementation of both systems expected by the end of the year.
State officials say the order aims to ensure that those entrusted with Iowans’ education, safety, and well-being are legally authorized to work and serve in these roles.
As Iowa moves to implement these verification systems, it shows the state’s commitment to ensuring employment aligns with its responsibility to safeguard children’s rights to education and safety.
