The Obama administration is implementing E-Verify on Sept. 8, the controversial program requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to ensure that their employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S. The regulation had been delayed while the administration reviews how it works, but the state of the program was announced on Wednesday during a hearing in Congress.

There have been plenty of false starts for this program, and lots of controversy for what is expected to pinpoint the legality of workers on government contracts. Under its requirements, taxpayer-funded contractors will have to use an Internet-based network that allows employers to compare the names and Social Security numbers of new employees against a government database.

"E-Verify is a smart, simple and effective tool that reflects our continued commitment to working with employers to maintain a legal work force," said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in an article reported by the Wall Street Journal. "Requiring those who seek federal contracts to use this system will create a more reliable and legal work force."

It will also make the work of IT executives easier, since so many IT contracts are outsourced. It will be the responsibility of the contractor, not the government, to vet its workers and make sure they comply with the law.

For more on E-Verify:
- check out this Wall Street Journal article [1]