On June 9th Alabama Governor Robert Bentley signed into law the Beason Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (HB556). This immigration enforcement law is intended to both empower law enforcement and limit incentives that encourage illegal immigration. Effective September 1, 2011, all public and private employers will be strictly prohibited from employing illegal immigrants in Alabama.  Under HB56, Alabama employers are prohibited from not hiring legal applicants or discharging legal workers, while employing or hiring an employee that the employer knows is an illegal worker.

 All employers will be required to participate in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s electronic employment authorization (E-Verify) program. Beginning January 1, 2012 any company that receives state funds must implement E-Verify. Effective April 1, 2012, all other Alabama employers must use E-Verify. There are absolutely no exceptions. Violators will be subject to permanent revocation of licenses/permits for all Alabama locations.

Navigating these strict requirements, while complying with Homeland Security’s E-Verify program will require companies to spend countless hours and dollars making drastic changes and implementing policies. Outsourcing human resources or staffing services through an Accredited Employment Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) like Lyons HR guarantees you spend less time and money complying with Alabama’s immigration enforcement law.