Starting Jan. 1, all businesses that conduct business with the state of Alabama or one of its departments or agencies are required to E-Verify all new employees.
Small businesses may go to E-Verify directly at www.uscis.gov/everify or may use the service provided to them through the Alabama Department of Homeland Security.
The state Homeland Security Department is required to provide the service under Alabama's new immigration law.
The service went live Dec. 1 and is available for small businesses at http://immigration.alabama.gov. Businesses can also call 1-855-VERIFY-6 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"The employer agent service that we are providing is designed to help our small businesses comply with the new immigration law," said Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier. "Our department has provided the tools that small businesses may find useful in helping them comply."