Arlington, TX Immigration Policy: E-Verify Mandates (2026)
Key Facts
- City E-Verify mandate
- None for private employers
- State law
- Tex Gov Code 673.002
- Covered employers
- State agencies and contractors
- Federal penalty
- Up to $27,894 per worker
Summary
Texas requires E-Verify for state agencies and state contractors under Government Code 673.002. Arlington does not impose its own city-wide E-Verify mandate, but state-funded projects at AT&T Stadium and UTA must comply.
Sec. 673.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) 'E-verify program' means the electronic verification of employment authorization program of the federal Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-208, reprinted in note, 8 U.S.C. Section 1324a), operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, or a successor employment authorization program designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or other federal agency authorized to verify the employment authorization status of newly hired employees under the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C. Section 1101 et seq.). (2) 'State agency' has the meaning assigned by Section 659.101. Sec. 673.002. VERIFICATION.
Full Breakdown
Texas Government Code Section 673.002, enacted by the 87th Legislature, requires every state agency and any contractor or subcontractor doing business with a state agency to register with and use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility for new hires. Private Arlington employers without state contracts are not required to use E-Verify, and the city has not adopted a stricter local mandate. State-funded UTA construction projects, public-school district contracts, and any state-grant-funded stadium upgrades must verify all new employees through E-Verify.
Violations & Fines
State agencies that fail to require E-Verify in contracts can be reported to the comptroller. Contractors who falsely certify compliance risk contract termination, debarment from state work, and federal IRCA penalties up to $27,894 per unauthorized worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must private Arlington businesses use E-Verify?
Does UTA require E-Verify?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas immigration policy overview
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